Liverpool’s FSG owners under further pressure as Van Dijk issues transfer plea

Liverpool's Anfield stadium in focus

Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group have been instructed to sign more players this summer by newly-appointed vice-captain Virgil van Dijk. The defender has praised the work of the club to sign Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton, though he is hoping for further additions as soon as possible.

Jurgen Klopp made it no secret last season that he felt his side were paying the price for a lack of available squad depth. Injuries, veteran players and out-of-form stars were all key reasons for the Reds missing out on Champions League football, and they will attempt to freshen up their ranks to avoid the same outcome in the upcoming campaign.

Mac Allister was welcomed for a fee of £35million rising to £55m prior to the transfer window opening, and Van Dijk has commented on how the midfielder should not be the only new signing welcomed to the squad. He said on international duty: “I think he’s a very good player, obviously we have played against him many times [with Liverpool] and also with Holland against Argentina.

“I think he will definitely be a big addition and something that we need, you know, in order to be back where we want to be. So it’s a good start to the transfer window and hopefully, we get a couple of more quality additions. But he is definitely one of the players that can make a difference for us in the next couple of years.”

Don’t miss…
Chelsea fixtures in full as tough Liverpool test awaits Mauricio Pochettino[LATEST]

Liverpool are looking to bring in at least one more midfielder this summer after allowing James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita to depart as free agents when their contracts expired. Chelsea duo Conor Gallagher and Mason Mount were both previously cited as targets, though the Reds appear to have turned their attention to the French market.

Nice star Khepren Thuram and Borussia Monchengladbach playmaker Manu Kone are both admired, with the club pushing for the former.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Further recruits from the France set-up would be music to the ears of Ibrahima Konate, who has also urged FSG to dip into their pockets and bring in new signings in an interview with RMC Sport recently.

He explained: “I think the coach and those in charge of recruitment know that we need new players. I believe we have four players leaving this season: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita, James Milner and Firmino.

“We have to replace them. If we don’t replace them, what do we do? Are we understaffed and lacking in quality? We cannot play with young people at this level.”

Source: Read Full Article