Virgil van Dijk sends strong transfer message to Liverpool amid talk of another blockbuster Alexander Isak bid

Liverpool FC v AC Milan Pre-Season Friendly

Virgil van Dijk has called on Liverpool to strengthen in attacking areas yet further, despite their already huge summer outlay.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The Reds have already signed Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike to bolster their attacking options, with Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong adding threat down their flanks, to take their spending to almost £265 million ($369m). The impact of the new players is already evident with Ekitike and Frimpong scoring on their competitive debuts in Sunday's Community Shield defeat on penalties to Crystal Palace. Yet, Van Dijk still wants further reinforcements following the departure of Darwin Nunez.

Crystal Palace v Liverpool - 2025 FA Community Shield

WHAT VAN DIJK SAID

Speaking to talkSPORT, the Liverpool captain said: "Well, we just lost Darwin, He went to Saudi and we lost Lucho [Luis Diaz], obviously he went to Bayern.

"I think there's always room for an attacker in order to strengthen us so let's see what the window brings in terms of the balance of the team."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Liverpool's desire to bring in Alexander Isak from Newcastle is well-documented. The Reds' initial bid was turned down by the Magpies, but they are expected to make another offer for the Swedish striker. Isak wants to move to Anfield and would significantly strengthen their front-line, but whether Arne Slot's side will be able to convince Newcastle to part with their key player remains to be seen.

Alexander-Isak

WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

Another bid for Isak does appear inevitable, but an end to the saga does not feel imminent. With the Magpies missing out on all of their alternative striking options to replace Isak, it may not be until late in the window that a deal is sealed.