Long-term Liverpool Target Van Dijk On The Brink Of Sealing Anfield Move
Jun 6, 2017 at 12:47 PM
Liverpool are set to win the race to sign Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk from Southampton ahead of their rivals Chelsea and Manchester City, according to reports in England.
The 26-year old has been a top target for the Reds over the past 12 months as he has become the best defender in entire Premier League during his time at St Mary’s.
van Dijk moved to Southampton for £13m from Celtic and will reportedly break the world record fee for a defender as the Reds are ready to pay a massive £60 million to sign him for the upcoming season.
Liverpool are also ready to match the Manchester City’s staggering £200,000 per week wages which will see him become the highest paid footballer at Anfield ever.
van Dijk addition would be a major boost for Jurgen Klopp and club as the German was able to convince him with his project at the club. The Dutchman had drawn interest from a host of clubs across Europe.
Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola was keen to sign him as well while Antonio Conte targeted him to strengthen his back three. There was also considerable interest from other Premier League giants Manchester United and Arsenal.
Back in January, Barcelona were also credited with interest as van Dijk has developed into a complete defender under Claude Puel this season and it would be tough for Southampton to keep hold off him in the summer.
Should the Dutch defender make a move to Anfield this summer, he would become the sixth Southampton player to sign for Liverpool in the last three years after the likes of Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Dejan Lovren, Nathaniel Clyne and Sadio Mane.
The Reds will talk to van Dijk and the club to reach an agreement and it is highly unlikely that any other club will be willing to outbid Liverpool for the 26-year old.
A move to Liverpool will provide a chance to compete with the best players for the Dutchman while it will also help the club compete hard in the elite league, a competition which proved to be tough for the Reds since the start of the decade.