Liverpool remains the final team in the Premier League yet to complete any incoming transfer activity, with just weeks left of the window. Virgil van Dijk says he "obviously" thinks the Reds need to strengthen, and Arne Slot has had his say .
There were interesting remarks from Van Dijk after the friendly against Sevilla. He had been immediately reinstated by Slot following his return from holiday, and played 75 minutes in a strong Liverpool side.
But he revealed in the aftermath that there has been no change in his contract situation , with his deal into its final year. And he also called on FSG to get some business done, with the season set to kick off at the weekend.
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"Obviously I think we should make some signings based on how long the season will go," said Van Dijk, via Goal . "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."
And that's not just blind trust. Slot has already provided a response to the call for transfer activity, telling journalists that there are moves in the works — but reiterating the difficulties of strengthening a strong squad.
"We are always looking if we can strengthen the squad but it is not so easy if you saw both games today," he insisted. "I have inherited a really strong team. If we can, we will strengthen the squad."
Those games ended in a 4-1 win over Sevilla and then a 0-0 draw with Las Palmas . The first line-up appeared to give a hint over the team that will start against Ipswich, although the "second string" was packed with quality players including Harvey Elliott , Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Curtis Jones .
The main name doing the rounds at present in terms of transfers is Martin Zubimendi, after Ryan Gravenberch was the makeshift number six in the side that faced Sevilla. Liverpool is believed to be pushing hard for the Real Sociedad star, but he is wavering over leaving his boyhood club.
Slot was pressed on Zubimendi specifically. But he kept his cards close to his chest: "You can come up with hundreds of names!"
Clearly, Zubimendi is more than mere media speculation, with the interest obviously concrete at this stage. Whether Liverpool can get the deal over the line remains to be seen, but Van Dijk isn't the only one who feels business is necessary before the transfer deadline.
Liverpool.com says: It hasn't been an ideal summer by any means in terms of transfer timelines. It's now officially confirmed that any new signings will miss out on the entirety of the pre-season match schedule, which will affect how long it takes them to get up to speed.
But sporting director Richard Hughes came out early to acknowledge the exceptional circumstances. As well as international tournaments, Slot has needed time to assess the squad, and his preparations have been hugely productive with the players at his disposal.
It's only a sprinkling of further star quality that is needed. Hopefully Van Dijk's faith is not misplaced over the coming weeks.
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