Liverpool are set to win the highly-contested race to sign Virgil van Dijk as the Southampton defender reportedly prefers a move to Anfield.
According to a report by The Guardian, several big names like Chelsea and Manchester City are set to face disappointment in their pursuit of Virgil van Dijk as Liverpool are set to emerge as the victors in the race to sign the defender from Southampton.
Liverpool, though, are yet to confirm a fee with Southampton. Earlier reports suggested that they are willing to pay a record-breaking sum for a defender – in the region of around £60million – to ensure Van Dijk becomes a part of the first-year setup at Anfield.
Van Dijk has put up excellent performances in the Premier League ever since he arrived from Celtic for £13million back in 2015. However, he missed the second half of last season with an ankle injury. Despite that, though, Jurgen Klopp believes his defensive prowess will greatly benefit Liverpool.
What makes the 25-year-old so widely chased by clubs is his combination of physical strength, pace, and his skillful play-making from the back. He can get the ball out of defence with ease, and has a fine range of passing.
Luckily for Van Dijk, several Premier League clubs have been adopting a style of play with a three-men back-line. In fact, his decision will come as a disappointment to Chelsea in particular, since Antonio Conte has been targeting the defender to play as part of the three-man central defensive unit in his side.
As Klopp prepares to take on a season of Premier League and Champions League commitments, he will need to add to his rear guard and also line up back-up options in the case of injuries. Van Dijk will be a value addition but his recovery from the current ankle injury will have to be monitored by the Reds.
Liverpool also have AS Roma’s Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah on their radar this summer but have yet to agree a fee with Roma, who are seeking around £35million for the Egyptian. Salah is said to be keen on a return to the Premier League, but they have so far been unable to finalize terms with the club.
