3 players Liverpool should sign after Virgil van Dijk makes transfer plea

Virgil van Dijk had made a transfer plea to Liverpool's owners by claiming new signings are needed if the club is to be competitive this season.

The Reds, now under the management of Arne Slot , will be looking to fight on all four fronts in 2024-25 but the Dutch defender believes this is only possible if at least one or two fresh faces come through the door at Anfield .

Fighting on all four fronts will inevitably mean a long and arduous season for the Reds, something the current crop struggled to contend with in Jurgen Klopp's final campaign. Having won the Carabao Cup in February, Liverpool eventually crashed out of the FA Cup and the Europa League and finished third in the Premier League .

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Speaking to media, Van Dijk said: "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, 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."

Based on Van Dijk's plea, then, it would appear that adding to the squad depth is crucial in order to go far in as many competitions as possible. As things stand, Liverpool has four goalkeepers, 11 defenders, seven midfielders and six attackers in the first-team.

However, it's abundantly clear that a new center-back and defensive midfielder are the two most important positions that need filling. While a new forward has been mooted throughout the transfer window, there are more pressing matters than adding to Mohamed Salah , Darwin Nunez , Luis Diaz , Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo in attack.

A defensive midfielder or someone who can fill the No. 6 role is the top transfer priority this summer, especially given the Reds failed to convince Martin Zubimendi to leave Real Sociedad . With less than three weeks until the transfer window closes, however, coupled with the majority of Europe's big leagues kicking off their campaigns, time is against them.

One ideal transfer would be Joshua Kimmich from Bayern Munich , who would be a real signing of intent from the Reds. Not only is he seemingly in the peak of his years at the age of 29, but he also only has one year left on his current contract .

This means he could be available for around $51million (£40million/€47million) and with no fresh deal yet agreed, Bayern would much rather lose him for a fee this summer than let him go for nothing in 12 months time.

The second key area is obviously center-back, following Joel Matip's departure at the end of last season. The 33-year-old wasn't always a regular starter but his absence is certainly a hole that needs filling, despite the likes of Ibrahima Konate , Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah on hand to step up alongside Van Dijk.

Konate has suffered with numerous injuries throughout his Reds career, Gomez has been linked with a move away and it would be unfair to place those sorts of demands on Quansah at this stage of his career. With this in mind, someone like Goncalo Incacio or Antonio Silva are perfect candidates.

At just 22-years-old, Inacio fits the profile of a young center-back that the club are after and already has considerable experience having become a mainstay in the heart of Sporting Lisbon's defense. He has also featured frequently for Portugal's national team.

Despite primarily operating as a center-back, Inacio is also capable of playing at right-back and in midfield due to his attributes, meaning Slot could utilize him in a number of positions if need be.

As for Silva, the Benfica star is one of Europe's most highly-rated defenders and has already been tipped to become a "superstar" . The 20-year-old won't come cheap, though, thanks to an $108million (£85m/€99m) release clause inserted by Benfica, meaning Liverpool would not be able to afford Inacio as well.

However, Silva is the perfect long-term partner for Van Dijk and, despite naturally operating as a right-sided center-back, is more than capable of playing on the left of the back two due to being comfortable at passing the ball with both feet. Hard-tackling and physically strong, the Portuguese even once told Record that he takes inspiration from the Reds captain.