Virgil van Dijk has admitted that losing Alisson Becker this summer would be a significant setback for the club.
Speculation regarding the Brazilian keeper’s future has intensified in recent weeks, with reports suggesting he could follow long-serving icons Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson out of the Anfield exit door, with Juventus being heavily linked.
Alisson, who has been a cornerstone of the club’s success since 2018, is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, and his absence has coincided with a dip in the team’s defensive stability.
Van Dijk praised Alisson and emphasised his importance as a leader in the dressing room.
“There are rumours but if there is anything concrete then we will all find out, but for me, I’m never worried,” said the Reds skipper.
“Listen, there is always going to be a day where you, including myself, will go, but if it’s going to happen – and I have no idea about it and I don’t think at this point he has an idea about it – then we will, as a club, adapt to that.
“We have been through everything together, positive things and some negative things unfortunately as well, so it would definitely be a big blow and a miss.”
While Van Dijk insisted he is relaxed about the situation, his comments reflect the growing uncertainty surrounding the “old guard” at Liverpool as Arne Slot prepares for a major squad overhaul, with the Dutchman also coming up to what is likely to be his last season at the club.
For now, the focus remains on Alisson’s recovery, with the captain hoping his goalkeeper can return for the final four games of the season to secure a top-four finish.
“He’s very important for me as one of the leaders in the team and I think he is very important on the pitch, because I think he is one of the best – in my opinion, the best – goalkeeper in the world,” he added.
“He’s trying to be back as soon as possible to help us for the last four games and that’s our main focus.”
