Liverpool risk upsetting Virgil van Dijk this week ahead of crunch Man Utd clash

Liverpool look set to head into Sunday’s crunch clash with Manchester United having defied the wishes of club captain Virgil van Dijk in the summer transfer window. Despite a perfect start on the field, with Arne Slot’s side beating Brentford 2-0 on Saturday to make it six points from six, fan frustration is escalating off it with the Dutchman yet to land a signing who will join the club immediately.

The Reds have until just 11pm on Friday, August 30 to secure new players, with the squad set to be stretched in the 2024/25 season given the newly expanded Champions League format.

Earlier this month, Van Dijk called on club bosses to make signings, and backed FSG to get the right players on board.

"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,” he said.

“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."

The club are expected to complete a deal for Georgian keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili this week, who is currently with La Liga side Valencia.

However, with Alisson and Caoimhin Kelleher firmly established as the top two keepers at Anfield, the proposed transfer appears an attempt to build for the future as opposed to strengthen short-term. Mamardashvili will spend this season on loan ain Spain.

Slot will be wary of upsetting Van Dijk, with the 33-year-old in the final year of his contract. And speaking about his future following the Brentford win, the Dutch talisman sounded alarm bells having been anything but definitive with his plans.

“There has been no change in my situation but I am very calm about it,” he told Sky Sports. “There is no reason for me to think about anything else because I have a whole season to play and hopefully we will be successful. Whatever happens in the future, Anfield has a special place in my heart.”

Liverpool go to Old Trafford on Sunday, the same venue where their title challenge began to derail last season after being held to a 2-2 draw. And it was a perceived lack of squad depth which many felt cost Jurgen Klopp and co dear as they capitulated in the final weeks. 

However, Slot has insisted he will only bring the right type of player in and won’t make signings for the sake of it. He appeared to have snared Martin Zubamendi from Real Sociedad, with Liverpool intent on triggering his £51.3million release clause.

However, the Spanish international duly turned down a move, opting instead to stay in Spain. The club have also been linked with a big money bid for Everton centre back Jarrad Branthwaite, but that notion is yet to materialise.