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Virgil van Dijk has been "really impressed" with how Liverpool's new signings have settled in.
Liverpool has splashed the cash this summer, spending more than $300 million to bring in seven new players. Jeremie Frimpong, Armin Pecsi, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman, and Hugo Ekitike have all joined Arne Slot's roster.
And more players could be on the way yet. Liverpool could still swoop for a center-back, a position where the team is light, and Alexander Isak is unsettled at Newcastle amid transfer interest. As it stands, the Reds are the big favorites to sign the Swedish striker.
With Liverpool adding so many new faces to the squad just weeks after winning the Premier League title, fans are wondering how these players will settle in. Reds skipper Van Dijk has told The Athletic that he's been impressed by the incoming talent.
"Yeah, I don’t think it’s been a bad transfer window in terms of the additions that we have made and the money we’ve spent. The club is obviously trying to improve our squad," said Van Dijk.
"The Premier League is incredibly strong, so it’s only right that we have to improve too. We know we have a very good team, but additions are always a plus, and I’ve been really impressed with how they have settled in.
"Showing their qualities on the pitch is important, but also how they are off the pitch in terms of settling in with us. I’m sure if you asked them, they would say they feel very welcome so far. They have clicked really well with the group."
Liverpool is aiming to win more silverware this season under Slot after his successful first year in charge. Slot, who succeeded Jurgen Klopp as manager a year ago, led the Reds to the Premier League title by finishing 10 points ahead of Arsenal in second.
Despite their dominance in the league, the Reds failed to win more trophies under Slot last term. Liverpool lost to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final, and the team was knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16.
Van Dijk is hoping his club will be even more successful this season, but knows it's going to be a challenging year due to Liverpool's rivals strengthening.
Manchester City has signed the likes of Tijjani Reijnders, Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Vitor Reis, Rayan Cherki, and Abdukodir Khusanov since the start of the calendar year, while Ballon d'Or holder Rodri is fit again after a serious knee injury.
Arsenal has also splashed the cash this summer to bring in Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, and Cristhian Mosquera. Viktor Gyokeres, who scored 54 goals last season, is also close to joining the Gunners.
Even Chelsea has shown it can take on the very best in soccer, having beaten PSG in the Club World Cup final earlier this month. Van Dijk is aware of the competition Liverpool faces, both domestically and in Europe.
He added: "Listen, there are no guarantees in terms of retaining the title or winning more trophies. But improving the squad is always a good thing. Adding quality helps to raise the standard in both training and games.
"We’ve all seen it over the years, the team, which is the most consistent wins titles, and that’s the aim we have. We want to show our quality in every single aspect of the game. That’s a very tough job. If it was easy, then you’d have a lot of teams up there until the end."
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