Home » Football » Premier League » Liverpool F.C.

Opinion: Nobody noticed but Liverpool signed the next Van Dijk this summer, and it’s not Jacquet

Liverpool have the next Van Dijk.

By Bence Bocsak · Anfield Watch

Published: Thursday, 8 October 2026 at 8:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Bence Bocsak argues Liverpool have found their next Virgil van Dijk in 16-year-old summer signing Dara Jikiemi.
Jikiemi joined Liverpool from Celtic and scored on his Under-18 debut in a 3-1 friendly win.
The writer suggests 36-year-old Virgil van Dijk is likely to leave Liverpool when his contract expires.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Writer Bence Bocsak argues that Liverpool have signed their next Virgil van Dijk in 16-year-old defender Dara Jikiemi, who joined from Celtic over the summer. Jikiemi recently scored on his debut for Liverpool Under-18s during a 3-1 friendly win over Robbie Fowler's academy, emulating Van Dijk's famous scoring debut against Everton.

The article highlights that Liverpool are preparing for the eventual departure of 36-year-old Van Dijk, whose contract expires at the end of the season. Along with Jikiemi, the club has bolstered its defensive ranks with young center-backs including Jeremy Jacquet, Giovanni Leoni, Mor Talla Ndiaye, and Ifeanyi Ndukwe.

Read the full article on Anfield Watch

Opinion: Nobody noticed but Liverpool signed the next Van Dijk this summer, and it’s not Jacquet

More Liverpool News

Never Miss a Sports Update