Virgil van Dijk’s aborted move to Liverpool has definitely become a transfer saga.
Earlier this week, reports emerged that the club had beaten off competition from Manchester City and Chelsea for the defender. Van Dijk was set to cost £60m, and the Southampton captain was on the verge of becoming the most expensive defender ever and Liverpool’s most expensive signing.
However, it appears someone forgot to tell Southampton, and the club weren’t happy about the reports.
They raised the issue with the Premier League. But, before an investigation was opened, Liverpool backtracked and apologised to their rivals, saying their interest in Van Dijk had ended.
Now, Liverpool are said to be looking at alternatives to the 25-year-old, after seemingly missing out on what was clearly their number one transfer target.
Don't give up hope yet, Liverpool fans https://t.co/vUyKkZ6j7u
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 8, 2017
However, reports on Thursday suggested that the club could return for the Van Dijk. Jurgen Klopp still wants the player, and if things can be patched up with Southampton, it’s possible the Dutch defender could still end up at Anfield.
Either way, Van Dijk to Liverpool has definitely become a transfer saga, and no transfer saga is complete without a cryptic tweet. Van Dijk posted this on Thursday, as he jetted off to ponder his next move.
— Virgil van Dijk (@VirgilvDijk) June 8, 2017
It provoked a wide reaction, proving football fans are at a loose end since the season finished.
Some just wanted Van Dijk to get himself to Liverpool ASAP.
— Sam McGuire (@SamMcGuire90) June 8, 2017
https://twitter.com/Chris78Williams/status/872789216710848514
That's right Virgil, fly to Liverpool pal ✊️
— Shahab🧉 (@shahabLFC) June 8, 2017
https://twitter.com/Gerrard8FanPage/status/872786867367923712
Come to #Liverpool 🙏 pic.twitter.com/GVjaDHllen
— ناصر بدر العيدان (@Nasser_Aleidan) June 8, 2017
Others urged Virgil to take matters into his own hands and force Southampton to sell him.
Hand in a transfer request and get out that hell hole! 🙏🏻
— Jack Moore (@Jack_Moore7) June 8, 2017
— Jack Moore (@Jack_Moore7) June 8, 2017
https://twitter.com/DeanCoombes/status/872789220166967296
Hand in a transfer request and come play for Klopp in the Champions League lad. You'll be a Liverpool legend!
— Red Memorabilia (@RedMemorabilia_) June 8, 2017
Force their hand lad.
— Paul Senior 🥤 (@PaulSenior1) June 8, 2017
Transfer request mate 👍😉
— BrentLFC (@BrentV_RSA) June 8, 2017
https://twitter.com/WiggzLFC/status/872794305353666563
https://twitter.com/Koloholic/status/872788140049801217
Transfer request pal 👍 pic.twitter.com/6fZoKp5qMd
— Spion Kop (@TheKopHQ) June 8, 2017
https://twitter.com/8629Fissile/status/872790843584851968
Some Saints fans got involved.
3, 2, 1… Cue desperate, saddo LFC fans begging our Captain to join them. #saintsfc
— SaintCirce (@SaintCirce) June 8, 2017
https://twitter.com/PickyConnor/status/872788847129743361
Someone replied with this:
— Ciaran 🇮🇪 (@CruciaICoutinho) June 8, 2017
There was this:
https://twitter.com/ChrisPalacefc/status/872793676602368000
And this, for some reason:
https://twitter.com/JackFinley7/status/872790619382525957
Some Liverpool fans already seem very fond of Van Dijk.
https://twitter.com/AcademyLFC/status/872797248203173889
https://twitter.com/DoFRex/status/872786622886146050
https://twitter.com/SS_LFC/status/872789193713496065
