Liverpool information: Virgil van Dijk makes switch demand as West Ham goal Reds star
Liverpool are in a strong position to win the Premier League title this season, which could lead to a quiet summer transfer window at Anfield in terms of incomings
Liverpool edged closer to the Premier League crown on Sunday, thanks to a late header from Virgil van Dijk against West Ham.
This victory capped off a stellar week for Arne Slot’s team, following top scorer Mohamed Salah’s contract extension. Van Dijk, the club captain, hinted that his own contract renewal is more a matter of timing than uncertainty.
The Reds are just two victories away from clinching the title. The first could come as early as Easter Sunday, where a win at the King Power Stadium would not only edge them closer to the title but also seal Leicester City’s relegation fate.
Once the season wraps up, focus will shift to the summer transfer window. Fresh contracts for Salah and Van Dijk might ease the rebuilding task for Slot and transfer guru Richard Hughes, but there could still be some reshuffling needed.
Player departures are expected, with Giorgi Mamardashvili’s summer move possibly signalling the end for Caoimhin Kelleher. Here are the latest updates from Anfield, reports the Mirror.
Van Dijk’s Transfer Request
Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk has urged the club to make significant moves in the upcoming transfer market.
Arne Slot’s initial transfer window was relatively quiet, with Federico Chiesa coming onboard and Giorgi Mamardashvili agreeing to join post the 2024-25 season, but this year might see more action.
Liverpool have shown their class clinching the league title, even though they hit a few snags as PSG gave them the boot in Europe. Their captain Van Dijk reckons it’s time to get grafting to keep their winning ways on track.
“Whatever happens in terms of players going out, players coming in, I think it should be a big summer,” Van Dijk spilled.
“I think they’re planning to make it a big summer, so we all have to trust the board, as a Liverpool-connected fan, to do the right job. I think Liverpool should be able to challenge for titles in the upcoming years.”
West Ham’s eyes are on Reds goalie Kelleher
West Ham have set their sights on Caoimhin Kelleher, as per The Sun. The lad from Ireland is keen on more game time and despite being a hot topic last summer, he stuck with Liverpool through Prem interest.
Fabianski and Areola have been sharing the gloves at West Ham this season. Even after a wobbly match against Bournemouth, Areola was in goal when the Hammers went to Anfield last Sunday.
Kelleher has had his kit on 20 times for Liverpool this term, stepping up mainly while Alisson nursed a hammy issue. It’s whispered that the Reds wouldn’t mind parting with the 26 year old for good, but the Irons might want to try before they buy with a loan spell first.
Arne Slot heaped praise on West Ham duo Mohammed Kudus following Sunday’s nail-biter at Anfield.
The dynamic pair were instrumental in the Hammers’ journey to the Europa League quarter-finals last term, and Liverpool’s gaffer hinted they’ve got the chops to don the red of his Liverpool squad.
“They also have players and that’s what makes the Premier League so strong this season,” Slot remarked post-match. “I think they’re 16th or 17th in the league but I can name you one or two players that could easily have played with us today as well in terms of quality.
“That is what the Premier League is about. And they used them more and more in the second half, these two quality players. And they have more, but I think Paqueta and Kudus were outstanding today, especially second half.”
