Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk has formally announced his desire to leave the club this summer, prompting hysteria among Liverpool fans.
Van Dijk is Jurgen Klopp‘s priority target in strengthening his defensive line this month, with the Reds willing to break their transfer record to seal a deal.
The Dutchman had already told Southampton that he wished to leave, but in a statement released on Monday evening, confirmed that “the time for me to move on is now.”
Liverpool aren’t the only club interested in Van Dijk, with Chelsea among the other sides reportedly pursuing the Netherlands international.
But Van Dijk was previously suggested to have set his sights on joining Klopp at Anfield.
And taking to social media and the This is Anfield forums, Reds supporters have hailed Monday’s major development.
VVD Transfer request. pic.twitter.com/QIOEox362s
— Tom McMahon (@tomjpmac) August 7, 2017
VVD is exactly what the club needs right now, it would get rid of some of the bad feelings around the club from this transfer window?
— John O Sullivan (@Corballyred) August 7, 2017
'VVD hands in transfer request.'
'Liverpool will reject any and all offers for Coutinho.' pic.twitter.com/03e67JiPVJ
— Carl (@Carl_M79) August 7, 2017
Thanks VVD. You've successfully transformed a very depressed fan base. Now give them what they want @LFC
— sixtimesclub (@sixtimesclub_) August 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/SullyyK_/status/894604364853248000
VvD really wants to join the Red's, so much so that he's forfeited a fortune. I admire his commitment. Wonder what Saints think now?
— Kevin (@emptyMINDZ) August 7, 2017
— SimonBrundish (@SimonBrundish) August 7, 2017
“He only wants Liverpool so any club can bid but will waste their time.”
– Scott Wilson on Facebook.
Klopp meeting with Van Dijk after learning the transfer request news https://t.co/4JnlSPjQfr
— Gregoris Gkousis (@Gregoris96_YNWA) August 7, 2017
Virgil van Dijk is tapping up Liverpool
— nate (@natefc) August 7, 2017
“The whole club, barring Lovren – sorry including Lovren – wait with baited breath…
– Barnestormer on the forums.
https://twitter.com/HenryJackson87/status/894601524462137344
If VVD doesn't end up at lfc this window it will go down as the biggest cock up in Liverpool's transfer history #LFC #VVD
— Grizz Khan (@GrizzKhan) August 7, 2017
Van Dijk to LFC is surely most complicated deal in PL history. Regardless of transfer request I'd still be amazed if we got it over the line
— Aaron Cutler (@aaron_cutler) August 7, 2017
“Get the money out. No need to wait. Sign him move on and stay away from Southampton for a few seasons.”
– Barry O’Connor on the forums.
VVD hands in transfer request the day after Klopp says he's not fussed about adding a new CB. Coincidence? Or did that force his hand…
— Joel Rabinowitz (@joel_archie) August 7, 2017
Klopp is a fucking genius.
"We're happy with our CBs"
24 hours later, VVD submits a TR.#LFC pic.twitter.com/5AA6tkGoGn
— Arjun (@ajv6lfc) August 7, 2017
“If this happens and he comes to Anfield it will be the best bit of mind games I have seen by any manager in the premiership. A huge pat on the back for klopp.”
– Michael Fleming on Facebook.
https://twitter.com/MubzLFC/status/894592178906902528
https://twitter.com/jacklusby_/status/894602096380698624
The summer window is on the Virg of being good again.
— Tom McMahon (@tomjpmac) August 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/greg_ynwa/status/894602515718836224
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