Virgil van Dijk takes swipe at ‘bitter’ Liverpool critics over transfer business | OneFootball

Virgil van Dijk has declared that anyone who doubts Liverpool can attract top-quality players must be bitter as he said he would welcome Bradley Barcola to Anfield.

Liverpool have agreed a fee of £106m, which could rise to £123m, with Paris Saint-Germain for the France winger and Van Dijk said he thinks the 23-year-old is a “very good player”.

But he also urged Liverpool to keep Cody Gakpo, who has attracted interest from Tottenham and Manchester City.

Liverpool failed in bids for Yan Diomande and Yankuba Minteh before making an offer PSG accepted for Barcola, who will become the second most expensive player in their history.

And Van Dijk said: “I don't think there's any doubt that a club like Liverpool is attracting very, very good players. 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.”

Barcola is set for a medical on Merseyside and Van Dijk added: “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 but until it's there, there's no point speaking about it now, and it's not there.”

Van Dijk outlined what he likes about Barcola, explaining: “Pace, speed. I remember a goal he scored against Chelsea away. It was a pretty good finish as well.”

Gakpo scored Liverpool’s first goal of the season, in the 2-2 draw against Newcastle, and set up Alexander Isak’s equaliser in the 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest.

Van Dijk hopes his fellow Dutchman is not sold, saying: “He's a quality player and I think we should keep quality players, but let's see what the next three days bring. 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.”