Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has opened up on his future after earning his 100th cap for the Netherlands, while defender Jeremie Frimpong is reportedly available for a £35m exit as Barcelona circle.
Van Dijk reflects on 100-cap milestone
Van Dijk received a special commemorative shirt and golden bowl from the Dutch FA before his team's victory over Serbia on Sunday to mark the achievement. At 35, the centre-back has entered the final 12 months of his Liverpool contract and has faced transfer speculation, but he insists retirement is not on his mind.
Speaking to NOS, Van Dijk said: "I am very grateful. To the group, the staff, the staff members with whom I have worked in the past. And in the end, I am most grateful for my family. They were there tonight too."
He added: "A special evening and a great milestone. Definitely something I'm very proud of. For me, it doesn't stop at 100. It's something I never dared to dream, it felt way too far away to even think about when I was young. I got the most out of [my career]. Unfortunately, I missed another year (due to his knee injury in 2020), otherwise I might have been able to come close to Wesley Sneijder (134 caps). But I am proud and happy."
Frimpong 'open' to Barcelona move
Spanish journalist Juan Jesus has claimed Barcelona are interested in signing Jeremie Frimpong, with the Reds reportedly open to letting the defender leave for £35m. Writing on X, he said: "EXCLUSIVE: Barça isn't just following Pedro Porro: Jeremie Frimpong is also on the shortlist to bolster the right-back position. Flick requested him in his first year alongside Olmo, and Deco isn't losing sight of his situation.
"The player is going through a nightmare at Liverpool, unable to adapt to England. Plus, he doesn't factor into Iraola's plans, who relies much more on Ronald Araújo for that position. Frimpong is very open to signing with Barça. The Reds are opening the door to his exit for £35m."
Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola is dealing with fresh injury concerns as Alexander Isak returned to Anfield with a thigh complaint, while Cody Gakpo withdrew from the Netherlands squad after sustaining an ankle knock. Both players are back on Merseyside ahead of the Premier League clash against Manchester City, who have been found guilty of 114 breaches of Premier League financial rules.
