Van Dijk expects big summer for Liverpool in transfer window

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk hints at major squad changes ahead of the 2025–26 season as he nears new contract agreement.

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier League match against West Ham United at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on April 13, 2025. Photo by Paul Ellis/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Virgil van Dijk expects a big summer for Liverpool in the transfer window, as speculation continues to swirl over incoming reinforcements and his own contract extension. The Dutch captain, who led the Reds to a crucial 2–1 victory over West Ham on Sunday, spoke about the club’s future with growing optimism. Liverpool are now just a few points away from clinching their 20th English league title, and van Dijk believes this summer will be pivotal for sustaining that success.

With only six league matches remaining, Arne Slot’s men sit comfortably 13 points clear of second-placed Arsenal. If results go their way next weekend, the title could be mathematically sealed. But for van Dijk, it’s not just about finishing the season strong — it’s about preparing for what comes next.

Van Dijk nears contract extension

The Liverpool centre-back is expected to sign a new two-year deal later this week, keeping him at Anfield until 2027. This renewal mirrors Mohamed Salah’s recent contract, signaling a commitment to retaining the team’s experienced core. Van Dijk has been a pillar of Liverpool’s defense since arriving from Southampton in 2018, and his leadership has grown significantly — especially since becoming club captain following Jordan Henderson’s departure.

Speaking after the West Ham match, van Dijk expressed his enthusiasm for the direction Liverpool is heading in. “Being successful with Liverpool, the culture of the club, everything that embodies Liverpool — that is just part of me,” he said. “I love the club, that’s pretty obvious. I think you can see that in the way I speak about the club, the way I work for the club in terms of what I do on and off the pitch, and that will always be the same.”

Big summer transfer plans in motion

While Liverpool celebrated a huge step toward the title over the weekend, van Dijk shifted attention to the club’s transfer ambitions. He made it clear that this summer could mark a turning point for the squad, especially following a relatively quiet window last year. “I think it should be a big summer. I think they’re planning to make it a big summer, so we all have to trust the board to do the right job,” van Dijk said.

Last summer’s only outfield addition was Federico Chiesa, whose playing time has been limited due to injuries and tactical adjustments. With the club likely to offload several players to streamline the squad, manager Arne Slot is reportedly targeting reinforcements across midfield, attack, and defense. Names linked include Dutch midfielder Teun Koopmeiners and Sporting CP center-back Gonçalo Inácio.

For van Dijk, the transfer window is crucial not only for refreshing the squad but also for building consistency in a highly competitive Premier League. “I think we 100 percent can improve. I think we shouldn’t forget the quality that the Premier League possesses, especially this season. It’s incredible how everyone can beat everyone.”

Importance of a full pre-season

One of the major advantages Liverpool will have this year is the absence of a summer international tournament. The Netherlands did not qualify for the expanded Nations League finals, and neither Euro 2024 nor the Copa América will involve many of Liverpool’s core players. That means Arne Slot will have his squad together for an extended pre-season.

“This year, there is a training camp and there is time for the team to work on what the manager wants, and I think that will then improve the team,” van Dijk said. “A proper pre-season would definitely help the club in order to be even more consistent than we already have been.”

This added preparation time is particularly valuable for a coach like Slot, who took over a transitioning squad following Jürgen Klopp’s emotional departure. The Dutch tactician has impressed in his first season, balancing rotation with tactical discipline and getting the most out of younger players like Conor Bradley and Stefan Bajčetić.

Leading Liverpool to historic heights

Van Dijk’s leadership has been central to Liverpool’s success this season. Sunday’s victory marked his 100th time wearing the armband in a Premier League match, and he celebrated it with a commanding performance — including the match-winning goal. “To captain this team means everything to me,” he said after the match. “We’re on the brink of something special, and we want to finish strong.”

If Liverpool secure the title, van Dijk will become just the second captain in club history to lift the Premier League trophy, following in the footsteps of Steven Gerrard. While Klopp’s squad did win the league in 2020, Jordan Henderson was captain then. Now it’s van Dijk’s moment to etch his name into Anfield legend.

Planning for life after key departures

The anticipated summer shake-up will also be shaped by potential departures. Thiago Alcântara, Joel Matip, and possibly Joe Gomez are among the names rumored to leave. With Salah and van Dijk both recommitting their futures, the club will look to surround them with hungry, young talent to remain competitive both domestically and in Europe.

With Champions League football all but secured for next season, the recruitment strategy will likely prioritize depth and durability — key issues that have affected the team during intense fixture runs. Arne Slot is also believed to be keen on signing a versatile forward who can offer rotation and support for Salah and Darwin Núñez.

Van Dijk confident in Liverpool’s vision

Despite the pressure of maintaining high standards, van Dijk exudes confidence about Liverpool’s trajectory. “I think Liverpool should be able to challenge for titles in the upcoming years,” he said. “Whatever happens in terms of players going out, players coming in, the mentality of the group remains strong. That’s what sets us apart.”

That mentality, forged in the dressing room and demonstrated on the pitch, is what continues to drive Liverpool toward greatness. The Dutchman’s commitment to the cause and belief in the club’s project are a testament to the culture Arne Slot has begun to build in his debut season.

Eyes on the title, minds on the future

As Liverpool edge closer to a historic 20th league title — drawing them level with Manchester United — the club’s leaders are already thinking ahead. For van Dijk, it’s about more than just silverware. It’s about building a legacy of sustained success.

With a big summer transfer window expected and his own contract all but secured, Virgil van Dijk looks set to continue playing a central role in Liverpool’s ambitions. From potential new signings to a full pre-season under Arne Slot, the roadmap is in place — and van Dijk is fully on board.

In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on Liverpool to see how they finish this remarkable season. But behind the scenes, the work has already begun to make sure it’s just the beginning of a new era at Anfield.

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