Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has expressed full confidence in the club's recruitment team to support manager Andoni Iraola, as the transfer window enters its final week. The Reds began the Premier League season with a 2-2 draw against Newcastle on Sunday and are preparing for the Champions League draw on Thursday and a home match against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Van Dijk's transfer admission
So far, Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet are the only two arrivals this summer, despite links to several other players. Van Dijk, speaking about the lack of incomings, said: "Everyone wants to see quality arrive regardless. I fully trust the club and the board to make the right decisions. That's the only thing I can say."
He added: "Let's see what they do. Regardless of what happens, we are Liverpool and we have to give everything. For us, we have to show a reaction from last year. We have nothing to prove to the outside world, in my opinion. It is to ourselves. The way we train, the way we approach games, it is down to us to show a reaction."
Looking forward under Iraola
Reflecting on the changes under Iraola, Van Dijk said: "Last year it was very unacceptable, but that was last year. I don't want to talk about that - we are looking forward and looking to improve. Hopefully next week it will be very close to what (Iraola) wants us to do."
He continued: "Like I say, we work on it every day. We do long hours on the training ground and that will only benefit all of us, including our loyal and trusted supporters. It is so early in the season that if we start panicking regardless of what could have happened today then we won't be in a good place."
PSG chief's message on Barcola and Mbaye
Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Luis Campos has indicated that the transfer window is not closed, leaving the door open for potential exits of Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye. Liverpool have been consistently linked with both players, particularly Barcola, and a bid could arrive this week. Reports suggest an agreement in principle for a deal until 2032 is in place between the club and player, with only a transfer fee to be resolved. Negotiations for Mbaye are reportedly ongoing, but Barcola remains Iraola's priority.
Campos told L1+: "The transfer window isn't closed. I understand the question, but you have to understand my position. It's important to defend PSG and the club. You mentioned (Bradley) Barcola and (Ibrahim) Mbaye; we'll see what happens. It's like this every year."
He added: "I remind you what happened last year with Gigio Donnarumma; it was really late. This transfer window isn't over at all; it's open. Even on the incoming side, if we find a good opportunity, we'll take it."
Liverpool have also been linked with Brighton's Yankuba Minteh, who could move to Merseyside by the middle of next week. The club has one week left to complete its transfer business.
