Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk will join Liverpool when the transfer window re-opens on 1 January in a world record £75m deal.
The January transfer window will open on Monday to Liverpool’s extraordinary world-record £75 million signing of Holland centre-back Virgil van Dijk from Southampton.
The Netherlands international had been expected to join the Reds last summer after he handed in a transfer request. But a move fell through when Liverpool apologised for making an alleged illegal approach for the 26-year-old. The fee is the most ever paid for a defender – Manchester City paid £52m to Monaco for Benjamin Mendy in July.
The Anfield club also announced he will wear the number four shirt.
“Delighted and honoured to have agreed to become a Liverpool FC player. Today is a proud day for me and my family as I join one of the biggest clubs in world football.
“I can’t wait to pull on the famous red shirt for the first time in front of the Kop and will give everything I have to try and help this great club achieve something special in the years to come. I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Les Reed, the board, manager, players, fans and everyone at Southampton.
“I will always be indebted to the club for giving me the opportunity to play in the Premier League and despite a difficult last few months, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Saints and have made friends for life at the club.”
The reactions to this big money deal for a centre-half were all mostly of shock.
Ex-England and Southampton striker Alan Shearer on BBC Radio 5 live said;
Southampton have got one hell of a deal. Van Dijk is a good player, yes, but for £75m? No, he’s not worth it at all. Southampton could have named any price they wanted. They knew Liverpool were absolutely desperate for a centre-half. Everyone is aware they are desperate – we have seen them come up short several times this season.
When Liverpool try and sign a goalkeeper – which they also desperately need – they will find the same thing. We’ve been saying it for a number of years now – that transfer fees have gone through the roof – and this one has taken it to another level.
