Reds set sights on securing Van Dijk
LIVERPOOL are preparing to make Virgil van Dijk the most expensive defender in the world after the Dutchman decided he wants a summer move to Anfield. Now the Merseyside club will test the resolve of Southampton to keep the 25year-old international, who is likely to cost a record £60-million (R993.3 million) should he leave in this transfer window. Southampton have indicated they are ready to fight to retain Van Dijk and feel they can resist any offers. Van Dijk has not yet formally confirmed to his club he wants to make the move and Liverpool have not yet tabled a bid, but that will come soon. It has emerged the centreback has opted to pursue a move to Anfield rather than Manchester City, Chelsea or Arsenal. The Dutch defender has been mulling over his options since the end of the season, having become one of the most coveted players in the Premier League, but despite the player’s intentions a deal is not close and will require some tough negotiating. Southampton signed Van Dijk from Celtic for £13-million (R215.2 million) two years ago, since which time he has excelled to become the prime target of several Champions League clubs. For Liverpool, luring Van Dijk to Merseyside would represent a major coup. The defender has been Jürgen Klopp’s main transfer priority this summer as he seeks to strengthen a muchcriticised defence, but he knows the competition from Liverpool’s rivals is significant. Chelsea were especially interested and in recent days there were suggestions Manchester City have gained the upper hand because of their financial power.
But Liverpool have always hoped they could attract Van Dijk, particularly once they finished in the top four and could offer the potential of Champions League football. They believe the style of football under Klopp, allied to the long-term potential of the side, would be a determining factor.
There is no doubt Klopp’s presence at Liverpool has been fundamental in shifting the momentum the Merseyside club’s way.
Van Dijk will still become Liverpool’s highest-paid player if the move goes ahead and can expect to earn as much as £200 000 (R3.3 million) a week.
His fee is sure to eclipse the world record for a defender – the £50-million (R828.8 million) paid by Paris St Germain for David Luiz in 2014.
The onus will now switch to the negotiations between Liverpool and Southampton. Van Dijk has five years remaining on his Saints deal, but Liverpool are planning to hold talks in the high hopes of ensuring the Dutchman is in place before the start of preseason training. — The Daily Telegraph