Virgil van Dijk contract message sent as Liverpool star to get second chance
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Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola is preparing for pre-season as John Barnes calls for Virgil van Dijk's contract to be extended, while Harvey Elliott is set to be given the chance to stake his claim at AnfieldVirgil van Dijk signed a new deal with Liverpool in 2025(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola is set to begin shaping his new squad as pre-season training gets under way next week. Elsewhere, a returning Reds player could be handed a fresh chance to prove his worth, reports the Liverpool Echo.Van Dijk contract messageLiverpool legend John Barnes has urged the Reds to tie Virgil van Dijk down to a new deal.
The Reds skipper signed a two-year contract in 2025, but Barnes believes the club must hold onto their experienced campaigners, particularly following the departures of Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson this summer."I'd like to see Virgil's contract being extended because for Andoni Iraola, he'll need his senior players," Barnes told Betfred. "Those that have been around the block and know the club... so I think it's important that we keep a hold of Virgil next season."Barnes' plea comes amid speculation linking Van Dijk with a departure from Anfield this summer.
During his inaugural interview as the club's new head coach, Iraola indicated that players such as Elliott would receive opportunities to prove themselves."We've analysed Liverpool a lot – possible weaknesses, the strengths," Iraola said. For me, you are all new signings and I think we have a lot of quality in our squad, and [I'm] really looking forward to working with them."Given the Reds need strengthening options throughout their attacking department, Elliott, who can play on the right side of midfield as well as behind the forwards, might represent an astute acquisition - should the Reds decide to retain him this summer.