This is one deal that Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool wanted, very badly. The pursuit of Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk has been a long drawn one, with both clubs engaged in protracted discussions.
Sky Sports pundit Phil Thompson believes that the Reds will sign Van Dijk before the transfer window closes. He was previewing the upcoming 2017/18 season for Liverpool while writing for Sky Sports.
Thompson highlighted Liverpool’s struggles against lesser sides last season and believes that Klopp has a squad capable of addressing it. He was particularly impressed with the signings of Mohamed Salah and Dominic Solanke, while also talking about Van Dijk.
The 26-year-old has been tracked all summer by Liverpool as Klopp lined him up to improve the defensive frailties that hampered us last season. The Saints, however, were steadfast in their refusal to sell the defender who was one of the standout players in that centre-back position.
The former Celtic man had his eye set on uniting with Klopp and even refused to go on the pre-season tour with Southampton. He trained alone and demanded to be sold during his discussions with new manager Mauricio Pellegrino.
He has the full backing of his club’s board to keep him at St. Mary’s and Pellegrino wants to keep Van Dijk in his squad at any cost (Telegraph).
Van Dijk Will Improve The Reds
The pre-season has been effective for Liverpool, with impressive performances from the new recruits Mohamed Salah and Dominic Solanke being the highlights. Then, of course, is the usual brilliance from the magical Philippe Coutinho and the overall performance of the team has increased the optimism that this season could see us challenging for titles.
Defence is still a concern though and Klopp knows that he needs to address his concerns immediately. The towering former Celtic centre-back will improve our backline by leaps and bounds. He could be the difference in the title run.
A Matter Of Time?
Unlike previous seasons, this year, the Reds were ready to pay big money for the right talent. Naby Keita, Salah, and Van Dijk were earmarked in this category. One (Salah) has already been captured while another (Keita) is a totally different saga altogether.
It looks more and more certain that the final piece of this jigsaw, Van Dijk, will be joining us soon!
