Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has hinted at a “big summer” ahead for the club in the transfer market, as they look to strengthen their squad for the upcoming seasons. Van Dijk, who recently scored the winner in Liverpool’s crucial 2-1 victory over West Ham, is reportedly set to secure his future at Anfield with a two-year contract extension, joining Mohamed Salah, who has already signed a new deal.
Liverpool’s victory over West Ham brought them to the brink of a record-equalling 20th English league title, leaving them 13 points clear of second-placed Arsenal with just six games remaining. With a chance to wrap up the title next weekend, Van Dijk’s leadership continues to be a key factor in Liverpool’s push for glory.
While the club’s recent signing of forward Federico Chiesa has yet to make a significant impact, manager Arne Slot is expected to make key additions to the squad this summer. Van Dijk expressed confidence that Liverpool will be well-positioned to challenge for future titles.
“I think Liverpool should be able to challenge for titles in the upcoming years,” said Van Dijk, who captained the team for the 100th time in the league against West Ham. “Whatever happens in terms of players going out, players coming in, I think it should be a big summer. I think they’re planning to make it a big summer, so we all have to trust the board to do the right job.”
Van Dijk also highlighted the importance of a full pre-season for the club, noting that without major international tournaments this year, the team will have more time to focus on training and tactical work under Slot’s guidance.
“This year, there is a training camp and there is time for the team to work on what the manager wants and I think that will then improve the team,” he said. “I think a proper pre-season would definitely help the club in order to be even more consistent than we already have been.”
As Liverpool closes in on another Premier League title, Van Dijk is poised to become only the second captain in the club’s history to lift the Premier League trophy. His commitment to the club remains unwavering, and he emphasized his deep connection with Liverpool’s culture.
“Being successful with Liverpool, the culture of the club, everything that embodies Liverpool — that is just part of me,” he said. “I love the club, that’s pretty obvious. I think you can see that in the way I speak about the club, the way I work for the club in terms of what I do on the pitch on and off the pitch, and that will always be the same.”
