Liverpool sealed the deal for top target Virgil van Dijk for £75 million, making him the most expensive defender in world football.
Though the Reds' pursuit of the Dutchman in the summer was problematic, the deal was wrapped up extremely quickly and officially confirmed four days back. It turns out that negotiations couldn't have been any simpler or smoother.
Image: PA
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That's because according to Sam Wallace from The Telegraph, writing in his column, there wasn't actually any negotiations involved, as such.
Instead, Southampton simply told Liverpool their price and with Liverpool desperate to land him, following a long saga six months back, they decided to cough up and the deal was done.
Wallace also adds that talks between the relevant officials were completed on 21 December but Jurgen Klopp and Van Dijk's agent were not informed until Christmas Eve three days later.
Meanwhile, Van Dijk was in attendance at Anfield to see his new employers come from behind to beat Leicester 2-1. His reaction for the goal Liverpool conceded went viral.
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Three minutes into the game, Jamie Vardy put the Foxes ahead after some slack play at the back from Liverpool.
Joel Matip's pass wasn't firm enough to find Emre Can, leading to Vicente Iborra seizing possession and playing in Riyad Mahrez, who had broken free from Andy Robertson. The Algerian squared for Vardy, who tapped in for an easy goal.
Once several replays had been shown, the cameras cut to Liverpool's new Dutch defender, wearing his turtle-neck, and his reaction was priceless.
Will Van Dijk sort out of Liverpool's defensive issues?
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Sound off in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Liverpool, Football, Southampton, Virgil Van Dijk
