“I couldn’t sleep the night I heard Man United has signed him… I called our transfer board to sign the only defender who can handle him but I was ignored and now we’re facing them this week, I don’t think anybody can handle him with the current squad we have”: Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk says no player can handle Man United’s new signing, already given up

HusseinAugust 27, 2024Last Updated: August 27, 2024

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Liverpool look set to head into Sunday’s crunch clash with Manchester United having defied the wishes of club captain Virgil van Dijk in the summer transfer window.

Despite a perfect start on the field, with Arne Slot’s side beating Brentford 2-0 on Saturday to make it six points from six, fan frustration is escalating off it with the Dutchman yet to land a signing who will join the club immediately.

The Reds have until just 11pm on Friday, August 30 to secure new players, with the squad set to be stretched in the 2024/25 season given the newly expanded Champions League format.

Earlier this month, Van Dijk called on club bosses to make signings, and backed FSG to get the right players on board.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

The club are expected to complete a deal for Georgian keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili this week, who is currently with La Liga side Valencia.

However, with Alisson and Caoimhin Kelleher firmly established as the top two keepers at Anfield, the proposed transfer appears an attempt to build for the future as opposed to strengthen short-term. Mamardashvili will spend this season on loan ain Spain.

Slot will be wary of upsetting Van Dijk, with the 33-year-old in the final year of his contract. And speaking about his future following the Brentford win, the Dutch talisman sounded alarm bells having been anything but definitive with his plans.

“There has been no change in my situation but I am very calm about it,” he told Sky Sports. “There is no reason for me to think about anything else because I have a whole season to play and hopefully we will be successful. Whatever happens in the future, Anfield has a special place in my heart.”