Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has confirmed he will continue his international career with the Netherlands following crunch talks with new head coach Xavi. The veteran defender had previously hinted at a possible retirement from the Oranje after a disappointing World Cup campaign earlier this summer.
Jeremy Jacquet fits the fabric of classy Liverpool centre-halves, Ray Houghton has admitted to GOAL, with the French defender considered to be cut from similar cloth to Reds heroes Virgil van Dijk and Alan Hansen. Having moved to Merseyside in the summer of 2026, Jacquet has been showcasing his physicality, reading of the game and clever distribution.
Liverpool still have defensive transfer questions to answer, having opted against reinforcing their full-back ranks during the summer of 2026, so what approach will they take when it comes to recruitment in upcoming windows? Former Reds star Danny Murphy has been presented with that poser by GOAL, with Virgil van Dijk, Ronald Araujo and Jeremie Frimpong figuring prominently in the subsequent discussion.
Virgil van Dijk is preparing for another crucial face-to-face meeting with newly-appointed Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernandez to determine his international future. The 35-year-old Liverpool captain, who is also navigating the final year of his club contract, remains eager to lead his country towards Euro 2028.
Virgil van Dijk is into the final year of his contract at Liverpool, meaning that free agency will be hit in the summer of 2027. Do the Reds have a succession plan in place for their defensive king? Stephen Warnock has admitted to GOAL that they might, with talented youngsters Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni ready to fill roles of crown princes at Anfield.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has made a public attempt to convince Cody Gakpo to remain at Anfield as Manchester City intensify their pursuit of the Dutch international. With the transfer deadline fast approaching, the defender has emphasized Gakpo's vital role in the squad despite the imminent arrival of big-money reinforcements.