Liverpool are ready to take on Newcastle United as they start the new Premier League season at St. James’ Park. However, the club may still be active in the market before the window closes.
With several high-profile players, particularly Mohamed Salah, departing Anfield this summer, Andoni Iraola has faced the task of rebuilding parts of his squad. Victor Munoz was signed from Osasuna for £34.5million and has shown impressive pace during pre-season preparations.
Jeremy Jacquet’s £60million transfer from Rennes has been completed and Ronald Araujo adds defensive know-how after arriving on a 12-month loan arrangement from Barcelona. The club hold a £47.1million purchase option for next summer, though they may not have finished their business after seeing a £50million offer for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh turned down on Thursday.
Now, captain Virgil van Dijk has delivered a message to all new signings and potential recruits. Here is the latest from Anfield.
Van Dijk will begin the new season alongside a new central defensive partner following Ibrahima Konate’s move to Real Madrid. Either Jacquet or Araujo will partner him at the back, though Van Dijk has made his feelings clear before the campaign starts, warning teammates that if they are not up for the challenge, then they are not at the right place.
He stated that for him personally, being a Liverpool player, last year was unacceptable, but that is last year and this year they have an opportunity to turn that around, together with their fans.
He acknowledged that they all know how tough that will be, but again stressed that if they are not up for the challenge, then they are not at the right place. He added that what he feels at the moment is everyone is up for the challenge and they will see how they go about it.
He said he is really looking forward to this season and that he does not think they have a point to prove to anyone. They have to show how much they care, how much they want to fight for this badge and also realise how privileged they are to be playing for Liverpool.
He noted that if you look at Bournemouth last year under Iraola, he thinks they were pretty exciting. He would say if they keep working, keep believing, keep showing their quality, staying fit, and hopefully win a lot of games then they can be very exciting.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have permitted young striker Kieran Morrison to join Sheffield Wednesday on loan for the 2026/27 season. Calvin Ramsay and Ifeanyi Ndukwe are also set to leave Anfield.
Morrison, who is 19 years old, signed a new contract with Liverpool in May and made his senior Northern Ireland debut in June. Ramsay has had limited game time since joining Liverpool from Aberdeen in 2022, having spent time at Preston, Bolton, Wigan and Kilmarnock during that period.
Reports now suggest he is expected to move to St. Mirren on loan. With his contract running out next summer, his tenure at the club could be nearing its end. Ndukwe, the third player departing, made a strong impression during pre-season.
However, work permit issues mean the 18-year-old defender cannot currently play senior football for Liverpool. As a result, he is being sent to Spanish club Levante and has already arrived ahead of a move to La Liga, where he will stay until at least January.