Liverpool will have work to do in the summer transfer window regardless of whether they seal qualification for next season's Champions League
Eindhoven, Netherlands - March 31: Virgil van Dijk of the Netherlands looks on during the International Friendly match between Netherlands and Ecuador at Philips Stadion on March 31, 2026 in Eindhoven, Netherlands. (Photo by Marcel ter Bals/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk has been at the centre of debate during the international break(Image: DeFodi Images, DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
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The weeks ahead will pose a genuine challenge for Liverpool both on and off the field. Arne Slot's side face mounting pressure to finish the season strongly and clinch Champions League qualification, while fresh names are emerging as the Reds look towards summer signings regardless of who is at the helm.
Supporters are already aware that Mohamed Salah will not be at Anfield beyond this summer, while Ibrahima Konate is yet to makeup his mind over his future. Should Konate depart at least one additional centre-back will be needed, while a Serie A star has been touted as a target if midfield reinforcements enter the equation.
Slot and his squad return to action this weekend in the FA Cup quarter-finals. They face a stern test in the shape of last season's beaten finalists Manchester City but momentum could be key heading into the final seven matches of the league season and victory in any competition can help in that regard.
A number of Liverpool's players have been away representing their countries during the international break, and one of them - captain Virgil van Dijk - has managed to generate some Liverpool-related headlines that have nothing to do with transfer rumours. Here are our latest lines from around Anfield.
Serious interest in Thuram
Liverpool could encounter competition from both Manchester United and Newcastle United if they wish to secure Khephren Thuram in the summer. The Juventus midfielder - son of France legend and 1998 World Cup winner Lilian - has drawn Premier League attention with his displays in Serie A and the Reds aren't the only potential suitors.
ALLIANZ STADIUM, TORINO, ITALY - 2026/03/21: Khephren Thuram of Juventus Fc looks on during the Serie A football match between Juventus Fc and Us Sassuolo . The match ends in a tie 1-1. (Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Liverpool are one of a number of clubs to be linked with Khephren Thuram(Image: Marco Canoniero, LightRocket via Getty Images)
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According to reports in Italy, the three named English clubs are primed for 'serious' interest in the 25 year old. Thuram joined Juve from Nice in a transfer worth less than £20million in 2024 but is likely to fetch a significantly higher sum if he leaves Turin this summer.
Both United and Newcastle could find themselves in urgent need of midfield reinforcements due to departures this summer, while there are plenty of variables as far as Liverpool are concerned. United star Casemiro has already confirmed his intentions to leave United, where he could yet be replaced by Newcastle's Sandro Tonali if the Magpies end up without a spot in Europe next term.
Van Dijk defended
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Liverpool FC and Galatasaray SK at Anfield on March 18, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Van Dijk's club form has brought scrutiny(Image: Carl Recine, Getty Images)
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Dutch pundit Hans Kraay Jr has taken aim at British media at what he has perceived as undue criticism of Virgil van Dijk. Liverpool captain Van Dijk skippered his team to Premier League success last term but has seen his form come under scrutiny this season as the Reds' title defence has fallen flat.
"In England, the analysts, columnists, and the self-proclaimed know-it-alls have completely lost their minds," Kraay Jr wrote for Voetbal International. "After four league matches this season, Van Dijk was dubbed the very best central defender ever in the Premier League. Four games later, and two Arne Slot defeats further along, it was more or less over for Virgil. In short: Virgil van Dijk's career was almost over."
Van Dijk, 34 started twice during the Netherlands' recent international double-header. He scored in a victory over Norway and played 45 minutes against Ecuador on Tuesday before making way for Micky van de Ven for the second half.
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