Jurgen Klopp is not messing around this summer as even a month before the start of the transfer window, he is already looking to get deals done for some of the best players in Europe. One such player who is reportedly close to a move to the club is Southampton star Virgil van Dijk.
The Dutch international has been sensational for Southampton in his two seasons at the club and though he was injured for the last couple of months of the previous season, stands as one of the best defenders in the league at the moment. He has already stepped up his recovery process and is wanted by almost every big club in the league.
Manchester City and Chelsea are also interested in his signature and this interest has seen Southampton increase their asking price. Liverpool are ready to make him one of the highest-paid defenders with a huge wage package and are also ready to offer close to £50m for his services. But the St Marys outfit are now reportedly holding out on £60m. His potential is undoubted but is Van Dijk really worth the price for Liverpool?
Of all the positions Liverpool need to strengthen this summer, the centre back position is something they cannot leave unattended. Joel Matip has been decent in his first season in England and will only improve but his partner in crime Dejan Lovren has been a bit all over the place.
He has recently signed a new deal but it is hard to see Liverpool go into the Champions League with him as the first choice. They need an addition and at the moment, there is no option better than Van Dijk.
The former Celtic man is strong in the air but is also decent with the ball at his feet. Partnering him with Matip will make Liverpool one of the strongest defences around but making him the world’s most expensive defender is not too advisable for the Anfield outfit.
Chelsea and Manchester City are willing to meet his valuation so Liverpool cannot bid any less and in this inflated market, £50m might not be much. But spending so much on a centre back, besides his wages, is not the smartest thing to be doing.
Liverpool have the funds and cannot miss out on Van Dijk but if they fail to snap him up, it is hardly the end of the world. Klopp is a brilliant man manager and will know his requirements. He surely already has a plan B and if he misses out on Van Dijk, Klopp will be quick to tie up the plan B.
At 25, Van Dijk could solve the problem for years to come and missing out on him might be cynical but that is not enough to justify his price tag and Liverpool should just not give into it.
