Van Dijk urges Liverpool to sign quality before deadline

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has called on the club to secure quality signings in the final week of the transfer window, after manager Andoni Iraola promised a new winger before the 11 pm deadline. The Reds have only added Victor Munoz this summer and are eyeing alternatives to PSG’s Bradley Barcola after the club demanded £145 million. Van Dijk stressed the team’s responsibility to improve and expressed full trust in the board’s decisions.

Van Dijk’s message to the board

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has urged the club to secure quality signings in the final week of the transfer window. The Dutchman said he has "full trust" in the board and the club’s recruitment plans, but added that the team must shoulder responsibility for improving on last season’s "very unacceptable" campaign.

The call comes after manager Andoni Iraola promised fans that Liverpool would "definitely" add to the squad before the 11 pm deadline on Monday. Iraola admitted in pre-season that he needed more options, particularly a winger, and has been targeting Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola.

Transfer window status

Liverpool have only made one permanent signing this summer - Victor Munoz - and have a loan deal for Ronald Araujo from Barcelona. The club also agreed a £60 million deal for Jeremy Jacquet with Rennes in February. With PSG demanding £145 million for Barcola, Liverpool are considering alternatives.

The Reds saw two bids for Brighton star Yankuba Minteh rejected last week, the latest of which was £60 million. Van Dijk said the club’s recruitment should focus on "quality" and that the board must make the right decisions.

Van Dijk’s on-field confidence

Speaking after Liverpool’s 2-2 draw away to Newcastle on Sunday, van Dijk praised the team’s performance and emphasised the need for a quick turnaround. "We have to give everything," he said. "It is down to us to show a reaction from last year."

He added that the new manager will ensure the squad has put in the hard yards on the training ground first. Liverpool will face Nottingham Forest at home on Saturday’s early kick-off.

The club’s transfer ambitions

Iraola has been desperate to sign a winger all window, and the club’s interest in Barcola has been met with a steep price tag. With the transfer deadline looming, Liverpool may look to cheaper alternatives such as Minteh or other options.

Van Dijk reiterated that the club’s focus should be on improving quickly and that the responsibility lies with the players to be better than last year. He said, "We want to improve, we want to win, we want to do better. That is what we are going to try and do from tomorrow."

Looking ahead

Liverpool’s transfer window closes on Monday at 11 pm. The club’s next match is against Nottingham Forest, and the team’s performance in the early part of the season will be closely watched. Van Dijk’s call for quality signings underscores the urgency for the board to act swiftly before the deadline.

Fans’ reaction

The club’s social media channels have seen fans urging the board to secure a marquee winger. The conversation remains focused on whether Liverpool can meet the demands of a high-profile player like Barcola or find a more affordable solution.

Final thoughts

Van Dijk’s message highlights the pressure on Liverpool’s front-office to deliver signings that can help the team move beyond last season’s disappointment. The club’s next steps will determine whether they can secure the quality they need before the transfer window closes.