Virgil van Dijk- three clues that could hint at the Dutchman’s future

Posted by

Day 674 and still nobody but Virgil van Dijk himself is any clearer to understanding what the future holds for the Southampton defender who, by the way, is a Liverpool target. £60million? £70million? Who knows?

Technically, the Reds have ended all interest in him, anyway. What seem like new daily developments regarding the Dutchman’s future often turn out to be similar facts being recycled, but to an extent that they demand wide-scale coverage.

The story so far? Liverpool of course previously ended their interest in Van Dijk and were forced to apologise for a suspected illegal pursuit involving secret meetings between Jurgen Klopp and the 25-year-old, who had supposedly set his heart on a move to Anfield.

Reports emerged weeks later suggesting there remains a quiet confidence on Merseyside that a deal can still be revived to sign the £70million-rated centre-back, which then evolved into developments reiterating that Southampton are adamant they will not sell to the Reds.

If ever there was a good example of clutching at straws, it would be clinging onto the hope that three recent clues hint at hope for Liverpool…

  • Hope?

Both Liverpool and Van Dijk are hopeful that the tense situation can be resolved and that a deal will be made possible, according to the Times’ Oliver Kay.

The nature of the modern day transfer market suggests wantaway players often get their way and Southampton may resign to the fact their star man’s heart is no longer with them.

  • One less rival?

With Chelsea closing in on the £29million signing of Roma centre-back Antonio Rudiger, according to the Guardian, Liverpool could be about to be faced with one less obstacle.

The 2016/2017 Premier League champions had reportedly been preparing a £60million bid for Van Dijk but have clearly turned their attentions elsewhere, thereby potentially giving Liverpool good reason to take an approach less frantic and subsequently less costly than their first.

  • Saints do some business of their own

Saturday saw Southampton complete a deal for Polish centre-back Jan Bednarek from Lech Poznan, inevitably leading to fans claiming he represents a replacement for Van Dijk.

The likelihood is that he is instead a long-term replacement to José Fonte, who joined West Ham from St Mary’s in January.

Young defender Jack Stephens also recently agreed a new five-year deal, fuelling an optimism amongst Reds that Southampton are preparing for life without Van Dijk.

Minuscule and perhaps non-existent clues, but we can hope…

More Stories Liverpool Virgil van Dijk