Virgil van Dijk would welcome the addition of Bradley Barcola at Liverpool, with the 23-year-old seemingly closing in on a big-money move from PSG after longstanding interest
Virgil van Dijk and Bradley Barcola.
Virgil van Dijk and Bradley Barcola.(Image: Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk says Bradley Barcola will be "welcomed with open arms" if his transfer move from PSG to Liverpool is completed.
A deal is expected to go through at an initial $143 million (£106 million), with the full package worth $166 million (£123 million) including add-ons. And with Liverpool in need of more quality in the final third, Van Dijk would be pleased to see Barcola arrive.
"He's a good player; that's the only thing I can say," Van Dijk told reporters. "I don't think there's any doubt that a club like Liverpool is very attractive to very good players.
"This is one of the biggest clubs in the world. We all know that we're going through a little bit of a transition.
"You either want to be a part of it or you don't. The window is open until Tuesday, right? Let's see what happens."
Van Dijk has come up against Barcola three times before, with each meeting coming in the Champions League. The Frenchman came off the bench at Anfield last season as PSG knocked Liverpool out of the competition.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 23: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC at St James' Park on August 23, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk during Liverpool's 2-2 draw at Newcastle United in their Premier League opener (Image: Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
"He's a player with pace," Van Dijk added. "I remember a goal he scored against Chelsea. If he comes here then he will be welcomed with open arms, but until it's official there's no point speaking about it."
In general, Liverpool needs more depth and numbers in forward areas. Cody Gakpo could leave before the transfer deadline, while Yankuba Minteh is among those to have been considered alongside Barcola.
"It's about continuing to push each other," Van Dijk said.
"The manager said before the weekend what he wants from our front three or four — to give everything and then if we have to bring someone else on to finish the job he'll do so. We need each other to be successful."
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Despite an improved performance from several players, Liverpool could only draw 2-2 with Nottingham Forest this weekend, but Van Dijk felt that the Reds were unlucky not to win.
"My personal opinion is that it wasn't a penalty," he said of the incident involving Alisson Becker and Neco Williams.
"It's better if I don't speak too much about it. I've seen it back and in my opinion it was wrong. I don't know who the VAR was. It was given and we had to fight back again but it shouldn't have been given in my opinion."
Next up for Liverpool is a trip to Ipswich Town on Friday. The transfer deadline is on Tuesday at 11pm UK time (6pm ET).