French striker Ekitik has officially joined Liverpool and signed a 6-year contract. He also flew to Hong Kong to participate in pre-season training with his new teammates. Van Dijk said in an interview that it is crucial for Ekitik and the new players to adapt to the team's lineup and they should also work hard to play an important role in the team.

The 23-year-old Ekitik previously played for Frankfurt. In the 2024/25 Bundesliga season, he contributed 15 goals and 8 assists to Frankfurt, and was one of the contributors to Frankfurt's qualification for the Champions League. In the Europa League that season, Ekitik scored 4 goals and 3 assists, performing very well.

Speaking of the new players joining the team, Liverpool captain Van Dijk said, "Being able to join Liverpool shows that they have the ability to play for this club, but for me, it is equally important whether they can integrate into this team and adapt to the lineup system we already have, and I think they have all integrated very well."

"Actually, nobody really mentions the young goalkeeper Armin Pezzi who joined the team earlier and has adapted well, as well as Freddie Woodman, Mamadashvili, Wirtz, Frimpong and Kerkez Miloš.

Van Dijk also said, "Ekitik has just joined the team, and everyone must train hard. We are a team and must work together to face the next challenge. This is the most important thing."

"It's great to see Ekitik here and I told him afterwards that the hard work has just begun. He has to give his all for the team and play an important role for the team when the opportunity arises. That's the most important thing."

On the other hand, Liverpool will play AC Milan in a pre-season friendly before flying to Japan to challenge Yokohama F. Marinos.