Liverpool legend John Barnes has called on the club to secure Virgil van Dijk with a new contract, as new head coach Andoni Iraola prepares to assess his squad for pre-season training starting next week. The 44-year-old Iraola was at Liverpool's AXA Training Centre in Kirkby on Tuesday, overseeing some players as he shapes his team ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
Van Dijk contract plea from Barnes
Barnes, speaking to Betfred, emphasised the importance of retaining senior players like Van Dijk, especially after the departures of Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate, and Andy Robertson this summer. “I'd like to see Virgil’s contract being extended because for Andoni Iraola, he'll need his senior players,” Barnes said. “Those that have been around the block and know the club... so I think it’s important that we keep a hold of Virgil next season.”
Van Dijk signed a two-year extension in 2025, but speculation about a potential exit has surfaced, with reports linking him to Turkey. However, senior sources at Liverpool have firmly denied those rumours.
Elliott eyes fresh start under Iraola
Harvey Elliott could be given a second chance at Liverpool as Iraola begins pre-season. The 23-year-old was a regular under Jurgen Klopp but saw his opportunities dwindle after Arne Slot took over in 2024. A loan spell at Aston Villa failed to reignite his form, but Iraola has indicated that all players will be treated as “new signings.”
“We've analysed Liverpool a lot – possible weaknesses, the strengths,” Iraola said in his maiden interview. “I think we have a very good squad. I think there is still work to do, like normally in every club in this moment of the season. But right now, for me the thing is to value especially the players that we have right now in the squad. For me, and I will tell them, [they] are all new signings.”
Elliott, capable of playing on the right of midfield or behind the forwards, could provide valuable depth in attack if retained. Liverpool's only summer signing so far is Victor Munoz from Osasuna, while Jeremy Jacquet, who signed in January, has officially arrived. The ongoing World Cup has complicated transfer business, with many players focused on the tournament.
