Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has started evaluating the squad at Anfield after club captain Virgil van Dijk and former forward Mohamed Salah were eliminated from the World Cup on July 9, 2026.
Internal discussions are underway regarding the long-term viability of recent contract extensions, with interest from clubs in Italy, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Major League Soccer, according to TEAMtalk and BBC.
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Van Dijk's Future at Anfield
Liverpool legend John Barnes expressed support for retaining the Dutch defender to assist the newly appointed Spanish manager during this transition period.
"I'd like to see Virgil's contract being extended because for Iraola, he'll need his senior players," Barnes said.
Barnes highlighted the need to maintain established leadership following the recent departures of other key senior figures.
"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," he added.
Van Dijk shared his thoughts on social media after the Netherlands' early exit from the tournament.
"As captain, all I ever wanted was to make this country proud," Van Dijk said.
"To see our World Cup end so early is heartbreaking because I know how much this team gave every single day," he added.
He emphasized that the squad must accept responsibility for the performance before focusing on the upcoming domestic season.
"A lot has been said and that is for another day. Now is about accepting that we failed, and we take full responsibility for that," Van Dijk stated.
