Gakpo has been linked with a move away from Anfield, with City reportedly prepared to pay around 75 million pounds for the Netherlands international.

Liverpool could be willing to sell the 27-year-old following the expected arrival of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal that could eventually be worth 123 million pounds.

However, Van Dijk believes Gakpo remains an important player for Liverpool and wants the club to keep him.

"He's a quality player, and I think we should keep quality players, but let's see what the next three days bring," Van Dijk said.

"Obviously it's pretty clear that I want him to stay, not only because 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."

Gakpo has scored 51 goals since joining Liverpool and played a key role in their Premier League title success in the 2024/25 season.

He has also made a positive start to the current campaign, scoring once and providing an assist as Liverpool drew 2-2 with both Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest.

Liverpool are also expected to complete the signing of Barcola, with the France international set to arrive from European champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Van Dijk believes Liverpool remain capable of attracting elite players despite finishing fifth in the Premier League last season and going through a period of change following Arne Slot's departure.

"I think Liverpool are still one of the biggest clubs in the world," he said.

"Obviously 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."

Van Dijk also welcomed the prospect of playing alongside Barcola.

"He's a very good player. If he comes, he'll be welcomed with open arms, but until it's there, there's no point speaking about it now," he added.

Liverpool have shown plenty of fighting spirit in Iraola's first two Premier League games, recovering from losing positions against both Newcastle and Forest.

But Van Dijk knows the team must improve defensively if they are to challenge at the top of the table.

"It takes some time, but obviously we all want it to work as soon as possible and for 90 minutes," he said.

"That's now two games in a row we've had to fight back. Obviously it's a good sign that we fight back but I think we can still do much better than what we have been showing.

"We have to score more, we have to concede less."

Van Dijk was particularly disappointed that Forest managed to leave Anfield with another positive result.

"Nottingham Forest came here three times in the last three seasons and came away unbeaten, and that shouldn't happen," he said.

Liverpool will look to secure their first win of the season when they travel to Portman Road to face Ipswich Town on Friday.

Jurgen Klopp impressed by his own professionalism during Liverpool draw at Villa