Virgil van Dijk says he understands Liverpool fans' concerns over transfer activity

Virgil van Dijk thinks Liverpool can challenge for the Premier League title this season, but understands concerns surrounding a lack of activity in the transfer market.

So far, a host of first-team players have left Anfield this summer.

Jordan Henderson has joined Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq, while James Milner, Fabinho, Fabio Carvalho and Roberto Firmino have also departed for pastures new alongside Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

They have brought in Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to strengthen their midfield but some fans have expressed their concerns over a lack of squad depth ahead of their Premier League opener on August 13.

In fact, in a recent interview, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was asked about their recent transfer activity during a chat with The Liverpool Echo.

He said: "I can definitely understand it [fans concerns] in some ways. But I’m not a very negative person, so obviously it’s not in my mind to think like that.

"But obviously when a lot of players are leaving, when your captain is leaving, your vice-captain is leaving, and at the moment there are only two incomings.

"And the way we have been playing, in possession really good, but defensively when you concede goals it’s not as good, so I can understand some people having doubts.

"But the most important thing as we’ve seen over the years is the consistency, as a group, everyone in the squad, let’s see if more players are coming in, and then we have to be ready again for a long season."

Image credit: Getty

Van Dijk added: "We have to be confident, we should be confident and we should still be learning each and every day.

"There have been characters leaving, players who have played a big part in the success, but others have to step up. That’s a nice challenge in my opinion. We should be excited. I’m very excited, so let’s give it a go.”

Jurgen Klopp, meanwhile, has expressed his concerns over the Saudi transfer window closing so late.

"It is massive, in the moment," the German said about Saudi Arabia's influence in the market. "Pretty much the worst thing I think is that the transfer window in Saudi Arabia is open three weeks longer.

"If I am right, I heard something like that, then at least in Europe that's not helpful.

"Uefa or Fifa must find solutions for that. But in the end, at this moment, I don't know exactly what will happen."

Image credit: Getty

Thoughts on Liverpool's business in the window so far?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Liverpool, Virgil Van Dijk, Premier League, Transfers, Liverpool Transfer News & Rumours

Jack Kenmare

Senior Journalist at SPORTbible with a passion for long-form journalism. Almost 10 years’ experience across online and print.

@jackkenmare_