Transfer Rumors: Virgil van Dijk wants Liverpool move
Virgil van Dijk may be the most sought after defender this summer, and if it were up to him, he would move to Liverpool.
There have been rumors for some time now regarding Virgil van Dijk and where he will end up this summer. According to Phil McNulty of the BBC, the center-back wants a move to Anfield. The Dutch defender is a hot commodity on the transfer market, and Liverpool currently lead the race.
Other Premier League giants are in contention, like current champion Chelsea and powerhouse Manchester City. Bringing in van Dijk would be huge for Liverpool for two reasons. First, they’re acquiring a promising young player at a position of need. Second, they’re denying other rivals from obtaining more defensive depth ahead of next season.
The £50 million man would be a huge boost for Liverpool, especially with the extra Champions League matches they’ll have to play next season. Liverpool still need to agree a fee with Southampton, though, and that’s where things can get tricky. There’s no doubt van Dijk is worth a lot, but can Southampton and Liverpool agree on a price? Or will the Saints do whatever they can to hold on to their prized possession?
Although van Dijk would prefer a move to Liverpool, business never seems that easy. Both Chelsea and Manchester City have the monetary backing to throw larger amounts toward this transfer. In addition, Celtic still have a 10 percent sell-on agreement that could throw a wrench in the plans. By no means is this move a done deal.
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Despite sustaining an ankle injury that resulted in him missing the last five months of the season, van Dijk appears to be ready for next season. While agreeing to terms with Liverpool is a step in the right direction, anything can happen over the next couple of weeks.