Jordan Henderson's move to Al Ettifaq and James Milner's switch to Brighton left Liverpool searching for a new captain and vice-captain; Virgil van Dijk is the new skipper, with Trent Alexander-Arnold his deputy; Fabinho joins Henderson in Saudi Arabia in £40m deal
Tuesday 1 August 2023 07:50, UK
Liverpool have named Virgil van Dijk as their new captain and Trent Alexander-Arnold as vice-captain following the exits of Jordan Henderson and James Milner.
Henderson spent eight years as skipper following Steven Gerrard's departure in 2015 but vacated the armband when he moved to Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq - who are coached by Gerrard - in July.
Milner's move to Brighton following the expiry of his Liverpool contract also meant the role of vice-captain at Anfield was vacant, with academy graduate Alexander-Arnold being chosen as his replacement.
Van Dijk told Liverpool's website: "A really proud day for me, for my wife, for my kids, my family. It's been a special feeling.
"Obviously I'm captain of Holland, that was already such a huge honour, a proud moment as well. But also to be the captain of Liverpool is something that I can't describe at this point.
"It's just something that makes me very proud and I will do everything in my power to make everyone proud and happy with me and the football club."
Van Dijk joined Liverpool in 2018 and has made over 200 appearances, winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup and Community Shield.
Liverpool midfielder Fabinho has completed his £40m move to Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad.
The Brazil international has signed a three-year deal with the Saudi champions, who are one of four Saudi top-flight clubs to be owned by the country's Public Investment Fund.
Fabinho becomes the second senior midfielder to leave Liverpool for Saudi Arabia this summer after Henderson's move to Al Ettifaq.
Fabinho made more than 200 appearances for Liverpool after signing from Monaco in 2019, winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and UEFA Super Cup.
Jurgen Klopp has overhauled his midfield this summer, with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai helping to fill the gaps left by Henderson and Fabinho.
Liverpool also hold an interest in Southampton's Romeo Lavia.
Who will be on the move this summer when the transfer window opens on June 14 and closes at 11pm on September 1 in England and midnight in Scotland?
Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports' digital platforms. You can also catch up with the ins, outs and analysis on Sky Sports News.
