FROM SAINT TO WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE DEFENDER
VIRGIL van Dijk (pictured above) is the sixth player to join Liverpool from Southampton in less than four years after a $129 million deal was agreed yesterday. As the Dutchman becomes soccer’s most expensive defender, we look at the previous five transfer
RICKIE LAMBERT June 2014, $6.9 million
Returned to the club that released him as a youngster as a back-up striker. But he never suited then-manager Brendan Rodgers’ system, scoring only three goals in 36 matches, most as a substitute. Sold to West Bromwich in 2015 and retired in October.
ADAM LALLANA July 2014, $43 million
Under Jurgen Klopp has shown the form that has made him one of the standout midfielders in the Premier League and key to the England team. This season has been blighted by injury, making his only three appearances in the last month.
DEJAN LOVREN July 2014, $34.5 million
The center back was brought in to provide some much-needed leadership following the retirement of Jamie Carragher but the Croatia international initially struggled with the responsibility. His form at the start was patchy. Although a mistake never seems far away, he has improved.
NATHANIEL CLYNE July 2015, $21.5 million
Arrived as first-choice right back and produced consistent, if not spectacular, performances in his first season which took him into the England squad for the 2016 European Championship. Backed that up last season but injured his back in the summer and yet to play in this campaign.
SADIO MANE June 2016, $58.5 million
The Senegal winger proved to be money spent well as he enjoyed a fine start to life at Anfield. He ended last season with 13 Premier League goals in 27 appearances and has excelled again this season among the “Fab Four” alongside Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah.