Liverpool’s summer looks to be starting well as a transfer move for Virgil van Dijk progresses; here’s how fans have reacted to news of him accepting a move to Anfield.
Monday had already seen the rumour mill churn through van Dijk being close to a move to Manchester City and then have betting suspended on a move to Liverpool, before afternoon news emerged of the Dutchman choosing a move to the Reds.
The centre-back has reportedly picked a switch to Anfield ahead of Chelsea and Manchester City, who were also in the running.
When confirmed, it’s likely to be a club record fee of between £50 million and £60 million—but reports were quick to caution that Liverpool and Southampton have not yet agreed a deal.
Liverpool will now attempt to negotiate what will be a world record deal for a defender with Southampton. Fee could reach around £60m.
— paul joyce (@_pauljoyce) June 5, 2017
Liverpool set to win race to sign Virgil van Dijk. Player has indicated he wants to join #LFC, not Man City or Chelsea. No fee agreed yet.
— Andy Hunter (@AHunterGuardian) June 5, 2017
As usual, social media was awash in instant reaction, with the vast majority of the fanbase delighted that the Reds were close to what is clearly a much-needed addition in defence.
For the most part, there was positivity and optimism over the future, as well as slight incredulity that Liverpool had managed to convince van Dijk to join ahead of two Premier League superpowers with huge spending potential.
When you see Virgil van Dijk is coming to #LFC pic.twitter.com/yDuPBeLlXy
— The Vimto Kid (@AlexWatt187) June 5, 2017
Van Dijk is happening, made up! #LFC
— Liam (@LiamGrovess) June 5, 2017
https://twitter.com/SteTaylor1996/status/871763337218064385
https://twitter.com/Frankly2Shankly/status/871763493380382720
Naturally, there were a group who were hesitant about going all-in with celebrations—perhaps justifiably, given previous experiences in the transfer market.
https://twitter.com/henedersonn/status/871763470647275522
Van Dijk wants to join. Reports of an improved bid for Salah, too. Get both deals over the line & that's one hell of a start to the window.
— Leanne Prescott (@_lfcleanne) June 5, 2017
https://twitter.com/LorenzoDelC/status/871763574808395781
And as ever, there were some who had doubts over the deal—despite it being a critical part of Klopp’s plans for the Reds in the Champions League next term.
Can't be the only one who thinks we've lost the plot a bit by paying £60million and £200k a week for Van Dijk
— LFC Focus (@LFCFocusTV) June 5, 2017
Van dijk too expensive ..is he beckenbauer?
— PHILEMON SZOBOSZLAI (@forevaRedOrDead) June 5, 2017
Overall, though, there was plenty of happiness that Liverpool were making big strides in securing their preferred targets for summer—just as it should be. Roll on confirmation day!
Will be absolutely made up if we can sign van Dijk, such a boss defender.
Him playing alongisde Matip could take us to another level. #LFC pic.twitter.com/gPk3768M01
— FPL Fraudiola (@fplFraudiola) June 5, 2017
Van Dijk is happening, made up! #LFC
— Liam (@LiamGrovess) June 5, 2017
Happy "Andy Carrolls not Liverpools most expensive player ever" day!
— Sangria (@sangria_indy) June 5, 2017
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