This is a transfer saga that everyone at Liverpool must have been eagerly waiting for, even though it was played again and again! The entire summer was spent finding out if Virgil van Dijk would be signed from Southampton.

The pursuit of Van Dijk didn’t materialise because of various reasons but it is assumed that the Reds will go back for his signature in the winter transfer window. According to the latest reports, we may not be entirely successful in luring him to Anfield in the January transfer window.

This is according to the ESPN FC pundit and former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burkley (h/t Express). He opines that the defender will not stay at Southampton beyond next summer and Jurgen Klopp would get his man without any fuss.

However, he goes on to say that it will not be possible in January to lure the defender.

“I think this will happen but I think it’s probably going to happen in the summer,” the Scot said.

He goes on to add that this is a transfer link that is quite unlike other stories, which are just rumours. Burkley says that Southampton are resigned to the fate of losing their club captain to Liverpool. However, given their struggles this season, it may not be feasible for them to let him leave in January.

How close to reality is Burkley? Van Dijk’s transfer was the story of the summer as Liverpool chased him from day one, or should I say even before the transfer window opened! Van Dijk too was interested in the move and handed in an official transfer request. When the club refused to entertain his request, Van Dijk even went on a strike and trained alone.

However, the deal didn’t go through the line and Van Dijk has now been re-integrated into the Southampton side. Reports indicate that the player still harbours a desire to move to Anfield and work with Jurgen Klopp.

Does this signal an end to our January pursuit of Van Dijk? Even if Burkley didn’t indicate, it is an open secret that Southampton may not entertain selling the Dutch defender in January. It is too risky to lose someone of that stature and skill mid-way through the season.

What do you think?