Van Dijk: Liverpool still attractive as Barcola nears £123m move

Virgil van Dijk says Liverpool remains attractive to top players as the club prepares to announce Bradley Barcola’s £123m arrival, with talks ongoing over Ismaila Sarr.

Brit Brief 31/08/2026 03:41

Van Dijk: Liverpool still attractive as Barcola nears £123m move — Van Dijk: Liverpool still attractive as Barcola nears move

Liverpool are preparing to announce the signing of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola after agreeing a £123million deal over the weekend. The move is expected to be confirmed before Tuesday's transfer deadline, capping a busy end to the summer window.

Van Dijk backs Barcola arrival

Speaking after Saturday's draw against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk gave his verdict on the impending arrival of the 23-year-old France international. "He's a good player, that's the only thing I can say," said the Dutchman. "I don't think there's any doubt that a club like Liverpool is very attractive to very good players."

Van Dijk added: "This is one of the biggest clubs in the world. We all know that we're going through a little bit of a transition. You either want to be a part of it or you don't. The window is open until Tuesday, right? Let's see what happens."

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He also noted Barcola's pace, recalling a goal the winger scored against Chelsea, and said he would be "welcomed with open arms" at Anfield, though he stressed that "until it's official there's no point speaking about it."

Van Dijk and Barcola have faced each other three times at club level over the past two seasons. PSG won two of those meetings, with Barcola providing an assist in the 2-0 victory at Anfield in April.

Talks continue over Sarr

Liverpool are reportedly still in negotiations over a potential deal for Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr. The Athletic reported last week that an opening bid of £50m had been rejected, and Fabrizio Romano has said on his YouTube channel that Liverpool, Palace and Sarr's agents remain in talks.

Sarr has not featured in either of Palace's opening two Premier League fixtures. The Senegal international has scored seven goals against Liverpool in recent seasons and could be seen as a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah on the right flank.

There is no concrete indication of the fee Palace would demand, but Sarr's absence from recent matchday squads has fueled speculation of a potential exit before the deadline.