Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly persuaded his club to give him the funds necessary to seal the transfer of Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk this January. This means Liverpool are set to face renewed competition for the Southampton central defender.
The Reds’ desire to sign Van Dijk is well-known. Despite their failure to land the Dutchman in the summer, they retain an interest heading into the January transfer window.
Jurgen Klopp maintained an interest in Van Dijk with the player also keen to move to Anfield. But the Reds were unable to tempt Southampton into selling him before deadline day. Instead, Southampton accused Liverpool of tapping the player.
However, according to Goal, Guardiola is set to rival Klopp for the 26-year-old defender. The Ex-Barcelona boss is also keen on Real Sociedad’s Inigo Martinez, with signing a central defender being his priority in January.
The Premier League leaders are facing an injury crisis, with John Stones and Vincent Kompany currently sidelined. While Benjamin Mendy is set for a prolonged period on the sidelines after damaging his ligaments, City have just Eliaquim Mangala and Nicolas Otamendi as fully-fit options.
This City side looks unstoppable right now, so one or two signings this winter could just be what’s needed for them to ensure they go all the way in each big competition.
Nevertheless, Liverpool are expected to make a renewed bid to sign Van Dijk next month as our porous defence continues to undermine the momentum. We were willing to pay a hefty fee to sign the former Celtic man in the summer, but with the Saints resolute in not parting ways with another of their key players, this proved futile.
The fact is that Liverpool will be buoyed knowing the Dutch international is reportedly keen to leave Southampton in January.
Van Dijk, who signed a new six-year contract in May 2016, made his first appearance of the season when he came on as a substitute against Crystal Palace in September.
After the game, the defender said:
“Halfway through the season, maybe we can see what’s possible.”
Liverpool will hope City don’t succeed in signing Van Dijk, as the Dutchman is a far more necessary purchase for our club.
