Liverpool are counting down the days until their first pre-season friendly, which is now just over a week away. It will mark the first match of the Andoni Iraola era, which is at least up and running off the pitch, even if it isn't just yet on it.
Pre-season schedule and new arrivals
The Reds will begin their pre-season campaign in the United States, where they'll take on a mix of Premier League and EFL opposition. First up is a clash against Sunderland in Nashville, before fixtures against Wrexham in New York and Leeds in Chicago.
Away from the pitch, the arrivals of Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz remain the only new faces through the door at Anfield. Nevertheless, with the World Cup set to conclude this weekend, transfer activity could well begin to gather pace.
Van Dijk's future questioned
Iraola has been called upon to resolve the "real issue" at the core of Liverpool's defensive unit, with scrutiny falling on captain Virgil van Dijk. The Reds conceded a remarkable 53 goals in the top flight last season, their highest tally in a single 38-game Premier League campaign.
Former England international Chris Waddle believes the Reds must bolster their defensive options further this summer and has cast doubt over whether Van Dijk will even have a role to play under Iraola this season. The Reds skipper, who has 12 months remaining on his contract, has been linked with AC Milan and clubs in Turkey, yet reports suggesting he could depart have been rapidly and categorically dismissed by the club.
"Andoni Iraola has done a marvellous job, nobody can question what he achieved at Bournemouth," Waddle said to OLBG. "He likes to play on the front foot and, as a good tactician, he prefers an attacking style that suits the way Liverpool play and what their fans want to see. I think they crave excitement, they want to see the team attacking."
"I think he will definitely do that. But are the players good enough? Will he be allowed to bring in new players? Will Virgil van Dijk be playing this season? Last year, while many pointed to tactics, I believe the real issue was the middle of the defence. If they can strengthen that, there's no reason why Liverpool can't challenge again this season."
Waddle added: "Van Dijk obviously still has a big influence on the Liverpool squad, so you might keep him for another year and use him in specific games. But again, if he's performing well, you play him. But I just think that central position is the key issue for Liverpool. He's not going to get any quicker. He's always read the game well and has always been technically sound. But when you lose that yard of pace, it's difficult in the Premier League. The league is so quick. I thought that last year, regardless of who his centre-half partner was, they struggled."
PSG stance on Barcola
PSG are reportedly being "realistic" about the prospects of Liverpool target Bradley Barcola leaving the club. The Athletic has revealed that the reigning European champions would prefer to retain the winger's services. However, the Parisian club are said to acknowledge that Barcola has just two years left on his deal and is not guaranteed a starting berth, hinting that the player would be receptive to a transfer.
Barcola is understood to be firmly in Liverpool's sights this summer, having been identified as one of four potential alternatives to Yan Diomande, who appears destined to sign for PSG. Arsenal have also been credited with an interest in the French star, though they are thought to be prioritising a move for Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers.
Barcola featured for France during their World Cup semi-final defeat on Tuesday evening. With his tournament now at an end, clarity over his future could come sooner rather than later. Earlier reports had indicated that PSG were seeking a fee in the region of £130 million for the 23-year-old wide man.
