Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk has admitted he will “see what’s possible” in January, after a failed summer move to Liverpool.
Van Dijk was the subject of heavy interest from the Reds ahead of 2017/18, but their attempts to poach the Dutchman from St Mary’s sparked controversy.
Liverpool were forced to apologise and publicly end their interest in Van Dijk in June, after it transpired that he had set his sights on a move to Anfield following talks with Jurgen Klopp.
He ultimately remained with the Saints, and after making his first start of the season in Saturday’s 2-1 loss away to Stoke City, receive a late Netherlands call-up for this month’s World Cup qualifiers against Belarus and Sweden.
And speaking to Fox Sports on joining up with Dick Advocaat’s squad, Van Dijk hinted at a winter switch.
“I have no regrets,” he said of his attempts to force through a move to Anfield, including handing in a transfer request in August.
“Of course, I wanted to go one step up, but eventually Southampton did not want to let me go.
“I’m a professional, so now I’ll give everything to the club. Halfway through the season, maybe we can see what’s possible.”
The Reds’ failure to sign Van Dijk has been magnified by continued issues at the back for Klopp’s side, with none of Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren or Ragnar Klavan convincing.
Sunday’s 1-1 draw away to Newcastle United saw Matip and Lovren caught out by a low pass straight through from Jonjo Shelvey, allowing Joselu to equalise.
And in the buildup to Liverpool’s trip to St Mary’s, Lovren claimed he was struggling with prolonged fitness issues, worryingly revealing that he was taking “five pills before every game.”
Van Dijk has suffered injury problems of his own, but the 26-year-old looks to have put those behind him.
“It’s never fun if you’re injured. All I could do was get fit and hook up as fast as possible. I’m glad it’s over,” he added.
“Much learned, much heard, much seen: a whole life experience. I am glad I’m fit again and that I can give the full 100 percent.”
His performances for Southampton between now and January will spark considerable interest from Merseyside, as it become clear that it was Van Dijk or nothing for Klopp in the transfer window.
The hope will be that Liverpool return for the centre-back in 2018, as he would bolster Klopp’s defensive ranks immeasurably.
Fan Comments