Virgil van Dijk reacts to the news that Liverpool are set to sign Bradley Barcola from Paris-Saint Germain for £123m and gives his thoughts on a potential departure for Cody Gakpo, who is wanted by Manchester City
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool is challenged by Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on March 11, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool is challenged by Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 fixture at Anfield in March 2025
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Virgil van Dijk says Bradley Barcola is joining "one of the biggest clubs in the world" in Liverpool as the captain urged Cody Gakpo to shun Manchester City interest.
And Reds skipper Van Dijk insists the club's stature should excite any prospective transfer target ahead of a potentially busy end to the summer window at Anfield.
Barcola is undergoing a medical on Sunday ahead of sealing a deal worth up to £123m after a decisive breakthrough was reached with Paris Saint-Germain earlier this week.
The France international will become the second most expensive player of all time on Merseyside behind £125m Alexander Isak and will sign a five-year deal before the deadline passes.
"He's a good player, that's the only thing I can say," Van Dijk said, speaking after Saturday's 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest.
"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.
"He's a player with pace. I remember a goal he scored against Chelsea. If he comes here then he will be welcomed with open arms. Until it's official there's no point speaking about it.
"It's about continuing to push each other. 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.
"Adding quality to the squad always makes a difference. Let's see what the next few days brings. After Tuesday we have to fight for everything with no regrets.
"We have to score more, concede less, dominate more with and without the ball. Nottingham Forest have come here the last three seasons and remained unbeaten.
"That shouldn't happen. In all the years I've been at the club it hadn't happened. It's down to us to make sure we are a unit - every member of the squad together with our fans.
"It takes some time. We all want it to work as soon as possible for 90 minutes.
"Two games in a row we had to fight back. It's a good sign we fought back but we can still do much better. It's a process and we're working on it."
Van Dijk also admitted he wants to Gakpo to reject interest from Man City and stay with the club he joined in January 2023.
The two clubs are currently in talks over a deal worth a potential £85m but Netherlands captain Van Dijk doesn't want to see more quality leave the squad after losing Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, Ibrahima Konate and Curtis Jones since the end of last season.
Asked if he wants Gakpo, his international team-mate, to stay, he added: "What do you think? He's a quality player. I think we should keep quality players.
"Let's see what the next few days bring. I want him to stay not only because he's a quality player but also because he's a friend of mine. He's very important for us."