Phil Thompson’s Verdict-
New reports claim that Liverpool are preparing another bid for long-time target Virgil Van Dijk. The defender is close to penning a deal with Liverpool stating that the Merseyside club would be the only side he would join if he left Southampton. Jurgen Klopp has had issues in the defense at Liverpool failing to close out many games last season, due to frailties at the back.
An addition of Van Dijk in the armory could be tremendous for the Reds, as the Dutch defender has been one of the stand-out center-backs in the league over the past few seasons.
Former Liverpool defender Phil Thompson also backs Klopp’s side to bring the 6’4 inch Saints man to Anfield.
Thomson said, “I think the Van Dijk deal will still happen and I think Dominic Solanke was a fantastic steal from Chelsea. I hope he gets the game time he has joined for.”
He further explained, “I think he (Klopp) can deliver a trophy, even without the remaining signings that he wants to make. I know a lot of Liverpool fans are nervous about a lack of activity but I think the squad is big enough, the aim is just to add players who are going to make the starting line-up.”
“Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Naby Keita were the players he was willing to pay big money for. Everybody is panicking because players are coming in from abroad or from lower Premier League clubs, but I think the team showed they were good enough to compete for a trophy.”
Southampton are keen to keep Van Dijk as he is a colossal figure for them and would leave them without a leader at the back.
However, Van Dijk has been training alone at Southampton, as the 26 year old is seemingly desperate for a move away from the south coast club.
The Dutchman is a classy, versatile and ball-playing center-back who is targeted by many clubs across Europe without Liverpool leading the race.
Will It Actually Happen?
Chelsea’s interest in the player has been quite strong in recent times and they will give the Merseyside club, a run for their money. The reason for that is, as a new report now suggests that the Saints would prefer selling their priced possession to the west London outfit rather than the Reds.
It will be interesting to see how strong the interest is from Conte’s camp, as his team gets set to face off against Arsenal in the Community Shield match today. The two clubs will collide at Wembley and the winner should have an advantage heading into the new campaign.
One more thing to be noted that the performance in this tie, could result in a few players stay or leaving, especially for the Gunners, with the future of some of their stars still in doubts.
It will be an interesting and feisty game and whatever be the result of the match and the transfers, you can surely stay up-to-date by liking our Facebook page. Stay tuned for more.
