By Olaitan Ibrahim
Virgil van Dijk says he expects a “big summer” for Liverpool in the transfer market as he reportedly closes in on a deal that will secure his future at Anfield.
Arne Slot’s men are on the brink of a record-equalling 20th English league title after Sunday’s 2-1 victory at home to West Ham, in which Van Dijk scored the winner.
They are 13 points ahead of second-placed Arsenal with just six games to go and could wrap up the title next weekend if results go their way.
Van Dijk’s own future is likely to be secured later this week, with the announcement of a two-year contract to match Mohamed Salah’s new deal.
Forward Federico Chiesa was the only outfield signing in last year’s post-season transfer window, but he has rarely featured, and Liverpool manager Arne Slot will be eager to strengthen.
“I think Liverpool should be able to challenge for titles in the upcoming years,” said Van Dijk, who captained the team for the 100th time in the league against West Ham.
“Whatever happens in terms of players going out, players coming in, I think it should be a big summer. I think they’re planning to make it a big summer, so we all have to trust the board to do the right job.
“I think we 100 percent can improve. I think we shouldn’t forget the quality that the Premier League possesses, especially this season. It’s incredible how everyone can beat everyone.”
The Dutch international, 33, said Liverpool would also benefit from a pre-season, with no major international competition taking place this year.
“This year, there is a training camp and there is time for the team to work on what the manager wants, and I think that will then improve the team,” he said.
“I think a proper pre-season would definitely help the club in order to be even more consistent than we already have been.”
Van Dijk is set to become only the second Liverpool captain to lift the Premier League trophy and he is looking to add to that.
“Being successful with Liverpool, the culture of the club, everything that embodies Liverpool — that is just part of me,” he said.
“I love the club, that’s pretty obvious. I think you can see that in the way I speak about the club, the way I work for the club in terms of what I do on the pitch on and off the pitch, and that will always be the same.”