Liverpool break the bank for defender Virgil van Dijk
What's the story
The first signing of the 2018 January window is already done with Liverpool breaking the bank on Netherlands centre-back Virgil van Dijk. The Reds have agreed to pay a mammoth sum of £75 million to acquire the services of the Holland international from Southampton. The 26-year-old will earn wages in the rage of £180,000-a-week.
Klopp Revolution
Virgil van Dijk snubs Manchester City and Chelsea
Manchester City and Chelsea were both keen on Virgil van Dijk being a part of their squads but the centre-back preferred to move to Liverpool. As per reports, he got attracted by the chance to work under Klopp. Virgil van Dijk could make his debut in the Merseyside derby against Everton in the FA Cup's third round.
Leaky defence
Will the extra £15 million solve Liverpool's problems?
Liverpool have been desperate to sign the centre-back since the summer and they finally have their man, even though it cost them an additional £15million and half a season. The signing is a relief for Klopp who is desperate to fix his defence after conceding 23 goals in 20 games so far. Liverpool are 20 points behind leaders Manchester City in the title race.
Record breaking
World's most expensive defender
Van Dijk is the most expensive defensive signing in the world, eclipsing the fee Manchester City paid for French fullback Benjamin Mendy this summer. Here are some other expensive signings Benjamin Mendy (Monaco to City -£52 million), Kyle Walker (Tottenham to City- £50 million), David Luiz (Chelsea to PSG- £50 million) and John Stones (Everton to City- £47.5 million).
Top man
Liverpool's record signing
Dijk is not just the most expensive defender in the world, he is also Liverpool's record signing. The defender has commanded twice the amount as compared to most of Liverpool's stars. Here are some of the other signings by Liverpool; Naby Keita- £50 million (will join in summer), Mohammed Salah- £37 million, Sadio Mane- £34 million and Christian Benteke- £32.5 million.
Shopping spree
Liverpool's obsession with Southampton
Whenever Liverpool are in need of a player, they head to Southampton for some shopping. In fact since June 1st 2014 the Reds from Merseyside have spent a whopping £171.5 million on six Southampton players. That is half a team. The signings from Southampton include Virgil van Dijk, Sadio Mane, Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren, Nathaniel Clyne and Rickie Lambert.