Liverpool have firmly dismissed reports suggesting that their captain, Virgil van Dijk, could leave the club during the ongoing summer transfer window.

According to journalist James Pearce from The Athletic, Van Dijk will remain at Anfield, with new manager Andoni Iraola considering him a vital part of his plans for the upcoming campaign.

There had been speculation that the Reds might be open to offers for the Dutch defender, who has only one year left on his current contract with the club. However, Liverpool have now made it clear they have no desire to part ways with their skipper.

The Merseyside club’s backline has already been weakened following the departure of Ibrahima Konate, who has completed a move to Real Madrid. The French defender was initially expected to sign a contract extension, but talks broke down, resulting in his exit as a free agent.

Joe Gomez’s future also remains uncertain as he, too, has just twelve months remaining on his existing deal at Anfield.

Letting Van Dijk go would force Liverpool to make major defensive signings before the summer transfer window closes, a scenario the club are determined to avoid.

The Netherlands international was a mainstay in the Reds’ defence last season, appearing 54 times across all competitions. Since joining Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018, Van Dijk has made 374 appearances in total, playing a crucial role in the club’s triumphs, including two Premier League titles and a Champions League crown.

Although Van Dijk may no longer be performing at the peak level he once displayed, Liverpool are adamant about retaining his services for at least one more season.

Statistics sourced from Transfermarkt.