Van Dijk calls last season 'unacceptable' as Liverpool approve three loan exits before opener

Virgil van Dijk has publicly labelled Liverpool’s last season as “unacceptable” and issued a challenge to his team-mates ahead of the club’s Premier League opener at St. James’ Park on Sunday, as Andoni Iraola’s side continue to reshape their squad before the September 1 transfer deadline.

“For me personally, being a Liverpool player, last year was unacceptable,” Van Dijk said. “But that is last year. This year, we have an opportunity to turn that around, together with our fans. And we all know how tough that will be, but if you’re not up for the challenge, then you’re not at the right club.”

The Dutchman will begin the campaign with a new centre-back partner after Ibrahima Konate’s departure to Real Madrid. Summer arrivals Jeremy Jacquet (£60m) and Ronald Araujo, who joined on loan with a £47.1m purchase option, are the candidates to fill that void alongside Van Dijk.

Liverpool’s other incomings this summer are limited to Victor Munoz, signed for £34.6m, with the club still navigating the window following the exits of Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson.

On the outgoings front, Liverpool have confirmed three loan departures. Nineteen-year-old winger Kieran Morrison, who signed a new contract at Anfield in May and made his senior Northern Ireland debut in June, will spend the 2026/27 season at Sheffield Wednesday.

Right-back Calvin Ramsay, who joined from Aberdeen in 2022 but has spent much of his Liverpool tenure on loan at Preston, Bolton, Wigan and Kilmarnock, is set to join Scottish Premiership side St. Mirren on a temporary basis. With his contract expiring next summer, the move could effectively mark the end of his time at the club.

The third departure is 18-year-old centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe, who impressed during pre-season but cannot yet play senior football for Liverpool due to work permit restrictions. He has travelled to Spain ahead of a loan move to Levante, where he is expected to remain until at least January.