Paul Gorst

Virgil van Dijk has praised Liverpool teenager Ifeanyi Ndukwe and advised him to use an upcoming loan spell to develop before returning to challenge for a place at Anfield. Ndukwe impressed during pre-season but reportedly cannot play for Liverpool in the 2026–27 campaign because he does not yet meet the points threshold for a Football Association endorsement and UK work visa. Van Dijk also provided positive updates on Jeremy Jacquet’s recovery and welcomed new signing Victor Munoz after his debut.

Dominik Szoboszlai said his on-pitch disagreement with Curtis Jones and Kostas Tsimikas after Liverpool’s win over Wrexham was resolved and had been exaggerated. He said he would welcome becoming vice-captain but stressed that the decision is not fixed. Szoboszlai also defended Liverpool’s squad while acknowledging that further signings may be needed, and expressed confidence in the team and its new manager. He praised new arrivals Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak after their pre-season appearances.

Liverpool have identified PSG winger Bradley Barcola as their primary target for the summer window, reportedly valuing him at around £145 million. Although L’Équipe claimed Barcola had reached an agreement in principle with Liverpool after talks with new head coach Andoni Iraola, the Liverpool Echo reports that the clubs have not yet held direct negotiations. PSG’s position could be affected by the expected transfer of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande to Real Madrid. Liverpool have already signed Victor Munoz from Osasuna but Iraola says the squad still needs further additions, particularly a winger.

RB Leipzig’s managing director Marcel Schafer dismissed suggestions that Yan Diomande could leave this summer, insisting the winger will remain at the club and revealing plans for a new contract. Liverpool have shown strong interest, preparing a bid of up to £86 million, while PSG are also considered contenders, though Leipzig would demand closer to £112 million to sell. Discussions with Diomande’s representatives are planned, and Liverpool are also monitoring PSG’s Bradley Barcola as an alternative option.