Virgil van Dijk submits transfer request
The longest running transfer saga of the summer appears to be nearing an end as Virgil van Dijk submits transfer request to Southampton.
Southampton have notified Virgil van Dijk of their intention to fine him two weeks wages. He has responded by handing in a transfer request.
Breaking: Virgil van Dijk hands in transfer request at Southampton
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) August 7, 2017
The center-back has issued a statement on his position, which can be read in full here. In it, van Dijk states he is “incredibly ambitious” and wants “to achieve as much as I possibly can to fulfil my potential in what is a very short career as a professional footballer.”
One interesting line from the statement says that the center-back is “disappointed that enquiries from multiple top clubs have been consistently rebuffed.” He has been heavily linked with Liverpool, but might he move elsewhere?
The Reds had to formally end their interest, after all, though the suspicion remains that this was a PR move rather than a genuine end to their efforts to secure the services of van Dijk. Jurgen Klopp has recently said that Liverpool don’t need to sign another centre-back, though he will surely change his tune now.
Whether the Dutch international moves to Anfield or not, his Southampton career must now be at an end. Van Dijk felt compelled to state that “As a proud professional I am insulted by the suggestion that it was me who refused to train and so feel it is important to point out the true version of events.”
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“I would like to make clear that I have nothing but gratitude to everyone at Southampton for giving me the opportunity to play in the Premier League.”
“However, the time for me to move on is now and I hope to be able to work with the club to find the best resolution to suit all parties.”
Southampton have long been admired as a club that is intelligently run. They may not have handled the van Dijk saga well, but they will soon receive a large influx of transfer funds for the center-back. It will be interesting to see how the Saints reinvest the windfall.