Van Dijk reacts to Liverpool’s £123m Barcola pursuit

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has praised Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola as the Reds close in on a potential £123 million move for the Frenchman.

Liverpool are reportedly nearing an agreement to sign the 21-year-old, who has already been spotted saying goodbye to PSG supporters and has arrived for medical examinations ahead of a proposed move to Anfield.

Barcola is expected to sign a five-year contract with Liverpool and would become the second most expensive player in the club’s history, behind the £125 million paid for Alexander Isak.

Speaking after Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest, Van Dijk offered a cautious assessment of the France international while stressing that the transfer had yet to be completed.

“He’s a good player, that’s the only thing I can say,” Van Dijk said.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt that a club like Liverpool is very attractive to very good players. This is one of the biggest clubs in the world. We all know that we’re going through a little bit of a transition. You either want to be a part of it or you don’t. The window is open until Tuesday, right? Let’s see what happens.”

Van Dijk also highlighted Barcola’s pace and recalled a goal the winger scored against Chelsea.

“He’s a player with pace. I remember a goal he scored against Chelsea. If he comes here then he will be welcomed with open arms. Until it’s official there’s no point speaking about it.”

Liverpool have been active in reshaping their squad during the transfer window, and Van Dijk stressed the importance of adding quality as the club prepare for the next stage of their campaign.

“It’s about continuing to push each other,” he explained.

“The manager said before the weekend what he wants from our front three or four – to give everything and then if we have to bring someone else on to finish the job he’ll do so.

“We need each other to be successful.

“Adding quality to the squad always makes a difference.

“Let’s see what the next few days brings. After Tuesday we have to fight for everything with no regrets.”

With negotiations over Barcola continuing, Liverpool remain hopeful of completing the deal before the transfer window closes.