Liverpool fans have reacted furiously to a statement from the club on Wednesday evening apologising to Southampton and ending their interest in Virgil van Dijk.
Van Dijk was Jurgen Klopp‘s prime target for this summer and Liverpool were ready to break their transfer record for the Dutch centre-back, who had reportedly decided on a move to Anfield.
However, after Southampton reported the Reds to the Premier League over an illegal approach, Liverpool issued a statement offering their apologies to the south coast club.
Liverpool Football Club would like to put on record our regret over recent media speculation regarding Southampton Football Club and player transfers between the two clubs.
We apologise to the owner, board of directors and fans of Southampton for any misunderstanding regarding Virgil van Dijk.
We respect Southampton‘s position and can confirm we have ended any interest in the player.
A dramatic and gutting end to the saga and a massive blow to Klopp’s summer transfer plans.
Fans are not happy and Liverpool have a PR nightmare on their hands – just a week after a new chief executive was appointed at the club.
FFS! Only person at Liverpool who should apologise is the person who fed the story he wanted to come to LFC when no fee had been agreed. https://t.co/wnlhXnqKqQ
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) June 7, 2017
An embarrassing and amateurish way to run this aspect of the club. https://t.co/ffItERMvTz
— Paul Grech (@paul_grech) June 7, 2017
Not the best start for Liverpool's new CEO and Sporting Director. https://t.co/JXBDEzc66Q
— James Nalton (@JDNalton) June 7, 2017
A few hours ago we were celebrating the fact we were once again competing with "the big boys" for our top targets. And then this..
— Green Scouser (@Green_Scouser) June 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/beccaparry10/status/872513526266564608
Wow. Just wow
— keith costigan (@KeithCostigan) June 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/eaamalyon/status/872513000124579851
Hmm, it takes quite an effort to piss your own fans off this much before the transfer window even opens. Bravo!
— Andrew Beasley (@BassTunedToRed) June 7, 2017
It’s a new low, even for them. I actually don’t even know what to say, I’m just completely stunned.
— The Liverpool Way (@theliverpoolway) June 7, 2017
.@LFC end interest in @VirgilvDijk with apology to @SouthamptonFC. Damaging & somewhat embarrassing – but probably forced – u-turn pic.twitter.com/I7wI8v1sSz
— Carl Markham (@carlmarkham) June 7, 2017
What a bunch of incompetent knobheads we’ve got running the show. Just an absolute embarrassment. pic.twitter.com/KMMMlA9RnZ
— The Liverpool Way (@theliverpoolway) June 7, 2017
This is just embarassing
— LFCZA ?? (@LFCZA) June 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/LFCZA/status/872509404289134592
@LFC How about NOT leaking transfer targets & information to journos & pissing off Southampton & doing deals professionally?
— Red (@TaintlessRed) June 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/em_sandy/status/872512157031833600
Huge embarrassment this, we had a world class cb wanting to sign for us, & they go & fk it up, well done, fkn bravo
— Anthony (@AS__1976) June 7, 2017
Well this embarrassing isn't it!? Have FSG just bottled it as the price tag went up? All looking a bit amateurish at #LFC #TransferNews https://t.co/IbMEeXJClW
— Paul Higham (@SportsPaulH) June 7, 2017
That apology is completely embarrassing. I'm lost for words
— Anfield Leak (@AnfieldLeak) June 7, 2017
He was literally the perfect player for us, hence why we would pay so much to get him. How have they so carelessly fucked this up??? Mad
— Dom SoBossLa (@LFCpat511) June 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/Chris78Williams/status/872515256307810306
Penny for Jurgen's thoughts…
— Tom McMahon (@tomjpmac) June 7, 2017
Liverpool regularly leak transfer targets, and clearly leaked VVD's interest. It's an amateurish 'look at us, aren't we great?' ploy.
— Colin Spreag (@ColinSpreag) June 7, 2017
Liverpool could be set to turn their attentions to van Dijk’s international teammate, Stefan de Vrij, according to reports from Italy.
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