Van Dijk’s classy first words after agreeing £75m Liverpool transfer

• Virgil van Dijk issues statement on social media after agreeing £75million Liverpool transfer
• Dutchman thanks Southampton staff, players and fans for their support
• Defender expresses delight to become Liverpool player
• SEE MORE: Carragher reacts superbly to £75m Van Dijk transfer

Virgil van Dijk admits he can’t wait to step out in front of the Kop after sealing a deal to join Liverpool at the beginning of January.

The Dutchman will join the Reds for a fee of £75million, making him the most expensive defender in the history of the game.

A long-running saga dating back to the summer transfer window finally took the significant step forward on Wednesday when it was announced a deal had been agreed to bring the defender to Anfield.

Van Dijk himself was quick to take to Instagram to thank Southampton for bringing him to the Premier League whilst also looking ahead to the next step in his career with Liverpool.

Delighted and honoured to have agreed to become a Liverpool FC player! 🔴🔴🔴 Today is a proud day for me and my family as I join one of the biggest clubs in world football! I can’t wait to pull on the famous red shirt for the first time in front of the Kop and will give everything I have to try and help this great club achieve something special in the years to come ⚽️ I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Les Reed, the board, manager, players, fans and everyone at Southampton. I will always be indebted to the club for giving me the opportunity to play in the Premier League and despite a difficult last few months I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Saints and have made friends for life at the club. Thank you for everything 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 Thank you for all the messages of support 💪🏾 I’m now looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and getting started 🔴 #YNWA

A post shared by Virgil van Dijk (@virgilvandijk) on Dec 27, 2017 at 10:08am PST

The Reds had been in pole position to sign the 26-year-old prior to the new season, but saw their chances shattered by a complaint against an alleged illegal approach.

President Mike Gordon has since worked admirably behind-the-scenes to rebuild the relationship between the two clubs with Southampton owner Ralph Krueger.

That proved to be significant in convincing the Saints to negotiate with Liverpool, having refused to entertain a bid of any nature during the summer.

Though he hasn’t been at his best so far this season, Van Dijk represents a notable stride towards this club becoming serious Premier League title contenders.

Liverpool’s record acquisition could make his first appearance for the club in the FA Cup tie with Everton on January 5.