Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has revealed that there has been no progress on his contract situation but emphasized the need for the club to reinforce the squad before the transfer window closes on August 30.
Van Dijk expressed confidence that new signings will arrive before the deadline, stating he is “fully convinced” that the club will make additions.
Liverpool are currently the only Premier League club yet to make a signing this summer, but they have been actively working behind the scenes.
Liverpool have identified Zubimendi as a key target following the loss of their centre-back target, Leny Yoro, who joined Manchester United from Lille last month.
In June, Liverpool were in talks to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United, but negotiations fell through.
Newcastle were attempting to meet the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules deadline, but the sales of Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh to Nottingham Forest and Brighton, respectively, brought in £75 million, making the Gordon deal unnecessary.
As Liverpool prepare to kick off their Premier League season away at Ipswich Town, they have yet to secure any new signings.
Van Dijk, who played a significant part in Sunday’s 4-1 victory over Sevilla at Anfield, stressed the importance of strengthening the squad before the transfer window closes.
The captain expressed his belief that new players will be signed to enhance the options available to new head coach Arne Slot.
“I am positive, I am confident,” Van Dijk said.
“Obviously I think we should make some signings based on how long the season will go but I think they are working behind the scenes and I am fully convinced and trust the club that they will do the right thing for us and get the best possible squad in order to compete in every competition that we are in.
“That is the main thing I am focusing on, having the trust and we will see what happens.
“I think they are working very hard behind the scenes, we will see how that pans out.
“I had three week’s holiday and I would say the first week I went through a lot of emotions, coming off a semi-final loss to England, which hurt very much and then obviously you are going to think about the whole year you personally had and also especially how we were as a team with Liverpool.
“I think towards the end we were lacking that experience, lacking the quality, there were some injuries here and there and multiple things that didn’t go our way, but hopefully we learn from that and we can take that with us this season and show that consistency in the last part of the season.
“It is much more than playing the games, it is how you deal with it outside the games and the mental part is very important and it is not easy.
“You have to really be focused and work for that. Everyone will reflect on last year, I definitely did and I am looking forward to this season in so many ways and let’s see what happens.
“You have to grow into the season first and foremost.
“I have been back only a week and there have been a lot of meetings and there is a lot of information that goes our way over the way we play, so you will find the right moment.
“When the transfer window closes the squad will be there, but so far everyone is working, everyone is improving, everyone is learning each and every day and for me it is quite familiar with what he wants and how we train.
“I kind of enjoy that and want to keep doing it.”
Asked for an update on his own situation, Van Dijk added: “There is no change at the moment.
“If it was up to me obviously and I had the say then obviously we go as far as we can [this season].
“That’s the aim.
“I have ambitions, we all have ambitions, we all want to achieve the best that we can, we participate in every competition to win it and it’s almost impossible to do that but we are ready for the start of the Premier League and hopefully we can grow into the season.
“We want to improve and win games and we need everyone at their best.
“So far, so good (under Slot).
“Obviously it is a lot of work at the training ground, tactical, physical to get fit and this was the last big test before we start with the real deal and it looks like we are ready for that.
“Hopefully we can show it as well because we go there Saturday and it is going to be tough.
“They are promoted, it is 12.30pm and we have a big job on our hands.
“It is fine, we are obviously in communication with each other and a lot of meetings, tactical meetings, where we see what we can improve as well as good things but the finer details are very important to improve our game and that is what we all want.
“That is what we all want and what we all have to show, that desire.”
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