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Liverpool nabs defender Virgil Van Dijk from Southampton


What a Signing! And What a Fee! Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Jan. 2018.

After months of speculation and rumors, Liverpool has officially signed Virgil Van Dijk from Southampton for a whopping 75 million pounds right as the transfer window opened on January 1st, 2018. The 75 million pounds offered to Van Dijk is the largest sum for a defender and puts the transfer for the Dutch man as 7th most expensive transfer of all time. Liverpool was first connected with the move last summer when the Reds were aggressively pursued him. After constant offers by Liverpool, a complaint was issued by Southampton and accused the Reds for making an "illegal approach" which subsequently ended the clubs hunt of Van Dijk. As the January transfer window opened and an opportunity was clear, Liverpool was quick to sign the center back.

With Virgil Van Dijk, Jurgen Klopp's side receives a talented player and a game-changer as well. Virgil Van Dijk is one of the best defenders and center backs currently and is one of the best that the Reds have seen since the peak of all-time great, Hyypia. The Dutchman's towering size and incredible ball-handling skills, proves to fans that he has unique talent. Additionally, Virgil's power and leadership on the field is spectacular and boosts Liverpool greatly. Virgil Van Dijk is the perfect answer to the Reds shaky backline. If in shape and form, Van Dijk can ensure that the defense for Liverpool is kept in check, making opposition intimidated and making Klopp's side a contender for not only the Premier League, but also the Champions League and other tournaments.

Although this transfer is good for the team, many have argued that Liverpool paid too much for the Dutch defenders. Many pundits agree with this argument as the Reds could have gotten a world star midfielder or striker with 75 million pounds. This cost is too excessive for a defender. But many also agree that times are changing and fans should get used to clubs paying enormous fees for all players alike. Not only that, but the Dutchman would not make an immediate impact on the club, which surely would disappoint many fans. As a defender who is recovering from an injury and is also having a down season with Southampton, many hard core Liverpool fans are likely to be saddened and angered by the slumping Van Dijk, but they would be surely assured that the results would be fruitful in seasons to come as Van Dijk sports great talent and offers Liverpool the chance to compete with major clubs all over the world like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Paris Saint- Germain, Napoli, and Juventus.


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