Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is set to remain at the club this season, according to Anfield sources, dismissing speculation linking him with moves to AC Milan or Fenerbahce. The 35-year-old Dutch defender, who signed a two-year extension in April 2025, played every minute of the Premier League last season and remains a key figure under new manager Andoni Iraola.
Van Dijk's Future Clarified
Reports via TEAMtalk had suggested Liverpool were ‘prepared to evaluate any serious offer on its merits before making a decision’ and no longer viewed their captain as 'untouchable.' However, strong denials from club sources have quashed links to AC Milan and Fenerbahce. The club is planning for the season ahead with Van Dijk on board, as Liverpool undergoes a transition period following the departure of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate this summer.
£100m Price Tag for World Cup Star
Liverpool and other top clubs, including Manchester United and Arsenal, have been warned they may need to pay around £100 million to sign Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. The 18-year-old has impressed at the 2026 World Cup, playing a pivotal role in Morocco's run to the quarter-finals. Bouaddi has three years remaining on his contract with Lille, giving the French club no pressure to sell.
Lille president Olivier Letang told Eurosport: “Many clubs are interested in him, but very few can afford him right now. He's already one of the best midfielders in the world and still has significant room for improvement. He's only 18 and has his whole future ahead of him.” When asked about a specific price, Letang referenced recent transfers: “How much have players like Elliot Anderson [to Man City for £116m] or Sandro Tonali [to Spurs for £100m] been sold for, who are much older, but without room for improvement? That gives you an idea of Ayyoub's value.”
Bouaddi Focused on World Cup
Speaking at the World Cup, Bouaddi said: “For the moment I'm only focused on the World Cup, I cannot answer to this right now. I’m really happy to know that some clubs are interested in me but for now I’m here focused on the World Cup with Morocco and we will try to give everything to do our best.”
