The Netherlands defender, Virgil van Dijk, finally officially joined Liverpool. He became the first player sold in the transfer market this winter. The price is really, really exciting.
Liverpool bought the 26-year-old from Southampton for a fee of 75 million pounds. The figure makes Van Dijk the world's most expensive defender, shifting Manchester City's Kyle Walker, who was bought from Spurs in the summer for 53 million pounds.
Based on statistical records for two seasons with Southampton, van Dijk is indeed one of the best defenders in the Premier League. Last season, of a total of 34 appearances, the Dutch national team players were down full for 90 minutes. Duelnya ratio against the attackers opponents reached 65 percent.
While this season, an ankle injury suffered since January limited Van Dijk's appearance to only 21 times, although he still managed to win 67 percent of the duel encountered.
Before being bought by Liverpool, big teams are eyeing van Dijk, like Manchester City, Chelsea. But Southampton set the price very expensive for him, which is more than 70 million pounds. However, Liverpool are willing to buy it worth 75 million pounds for van Dijk.
Liverpool Football Club can confirm they have reached an agreement with Southampton for the transfer of Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool Football Club can confirm they have reached an agreement with Southampton for the transfer of Virgil van Dijk.
The Reds have agreed a deal with the south coast club, and the player himself, that will see the 26-year-old defender move to Anfield when the transfer window re-opens on January 1, 2018.
The Netherlands international will be assigned squad number four, upon his arrival at Liverpool.
His move to Liverpool was also revealed by van Dijk on twitter. Here is his comment:
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 club ini world football. I can't wait to pull on the famous red shirt fot the first time in front of the Kop and will give everything i have to try and help this great klub 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, player, fans anda 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. Thank you for everything. Thank you for all the messages of support, i'm now looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and getting started. #YNWA
Reference:
- http://www.squawka.com/news/
- http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/
- http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football
- https://www.theguardian.com/football
- http://www.espnfc.com/liverpool/story