LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk during the pre-match warm-up before a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk during the pre-match warm-up before a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Virgil van Dijk believes Liverpool “need a squad that’s able to compete on all four fronts,” hinting at a need for signings before the transfer deadline.
With the new season about to kick off and less than two weeks until the transfer window closes, Van Dijk has stated that he thinks the players are “up for the challenge,” but hinted that Liverpool still need signings.
“We need everyone; we need everyone to be fit,” the captain told reporters on Sunday.
“We need a squad that’s able to compete on all four fronts – that’s the only way in order to try and be successful.
“Let’s see what the last couple of weeks of the transfer window will bring and then we’re going to go for it.”
Van Dijk has watched four of his senior teammates depart this summer in Mo Salah, Andy Robertson, Ibrahima Konate and Curtis Jones, leaving the squad looking thin.
The arrivals of Ronald Araujo on loan and Jeremy Jacquet have eased concerns at centre-back, but Victor Munoz remains the only attacking arrival to this point.
The Dutchman acknowledged that the coming campaign won’t be easy, but believes that the current crop of players have the right attitude to compete.
When asked if the team have a point to prove, Van Dijk said: “Being a Liverpool player last year was unacceptable, we all know it.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“This year we have an opportunity to turn it around together with our fans and we all know how tough it will be, but if you’re not up for the challenge then you’re not at the right place in my opinion.
“And what I feel at the moment is everyone is up for the challenge.
“Let’s see next week how we go about it, but I’m really looking forward to this season and I don’t think we have a point to prove to anyone.
“We have to show how much we care and how much we want to fight for this badge and also realise how privileged and blessed we are to play for Liverpool.”
Virgil van Dijk’s message to the Liverpool squad
Football - Pre-Season Friendly - Liverpool FC v Como 1907
Football - Pre-Season Friendly - Liverpool FC v Como 1907
Van Dijk is now playing under his third manager after Arne Slot was replaced by Andoni Iraola after last season’s 60-point campaign.
He will take his place at the heart of the defence for a 10th consecutive season on Sunday, but he will have a new partner.
In the absence of Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez, Jacquet or Araujo will start alongside the skipper at St James’ Park.
Van Dijk is looking forward to playing for the new boss:
“If you look at Bournemouth last year, I think they were really exciting so I would say this, if we keep working, keep believing, keep showing our quality, staying fit, hopefully win a lot of games then obviously we can be very excited.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“And that’s the aim, that’s what we fight for, but we all know how tough it is.
“We all know how tough it is to be playing Premier League football, to be playing often on four fronts, but you have to embrace it, you have to enjoy the ride.
“We are also blessed to be here and we have to keep going and enjoy it.
“That’s what I will do and I encourage everyone to do as well, that’s what I keep saying to the boys as well.”
P2026-07-25-Liverpool_Sunderland-81
NASHVILLE, USA - Saturday, July 25, 2026: Liverpool's goalscorer Kieran Morrison during a friendly match between Liverpool FC and AFC Sunderland at the Nashville SC Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 6, 2023: Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta is shown a yellow card by referee Stuart Attwell during the FA Community Shield match between Manchester City FC and Arsenal FC at Wembley Stadium. Arsenal won 4-1 on penalties. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
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