Van Dijk dismisses Liverpool transfer doubters as 'bitter' ahead of £123m Barcola deal

Virgil van Dijk has labelled critics who doubt Liverpool’s pulling power in the transfer market as “bitter”, as the club finalise a deal worth up to £123m to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola. The 23-year-old France international is set for a medical on Merseyside after Liverpool agreed an initial fee of £106m with PSG, a move that would make Barcola the second most expensive signing in the club’s history.

Van Dijk was unequivocal in defending Liverpool’s standing in the game. “I don’t think there’s any doubt that a club like Liverpool is attracting very, very good players,” the Dutch defender said. “If someone’s doubting that, then they’re just trying to be a little bit bitter. I think Liverpool is still one of the biggest clubs in the world. We all know that we’re going through a transition and you either want to be part of it or you don’t. I’m part of it now.”

The move for Barcola comes after Liverpool missed out on Yan Diomande, who joined Real Madrid, and Yankuba Minteh before turning their attention to the PSG forward. Van Dijk was measured in his assessment of the pending arrival, saying: “Let’s see what happens, but I think he’s a very good player. So, if he comes, he’ll be welcomed with open arms.” He highlighted Barcola’s pace and finishing as particular qualities, recalling a goal the winger scored against Chelsea as evidence of his ability.

Alongside the Barcola pursuit, Van Dijk used the opportunity to make a public plea for Liverpool to hold on to Cody Gakpo, who has attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City. Gakpo scored in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle and provided the assist for Alexander Isak’s equaliser in a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest, underlining his value to the side early in the season.

“He’s a quality player and I think we should keep quality players,” Van Dijk said of his compatriot. “It’s pretty clear that I want him to stay, not only because obviously he is the quality player that he is, but also he’s a friend of mine and I think he will be very important for us.”

With the transfer window entering its final days, Liverpool’s business will be shaped by whether they can complete the Barcola signing while resisting bids for Gakpo — a dual challenge that Van Dijk appears determined to see resolved in the club’s favour.