This Is Huge!!
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool may have been given a slight advantage over signing Southampton superstar Virgil Van Dijk after recent comments made by former Chelsea legend Graeme Le Saux. The former Englishman issued a warning over Van Dijk claiming that he wouldn’t be able to play regular football in the current Blues squad.
Van Dijk has been one of the most wanted defenders in the Premier League for quite a while but had been out of action for a lengthy spell since his recent return to the Saints’ first team. The tall and sturdy centre-back has been under a lot of speculation regarding his future at Southampton after handing in a transfer request during the summer window when Liverpool made a bid for him. But the Saints board immediately declined any move away for the Dutchman.
Premier League champions Chelsea have also been keeping tabs on Van Dijk and were close to bringing him to Stamford Bridge but Southampton managed to retain his services. However, Van Dijk hasn’t currently been at the top of his form and hasn’t ruled out a move in the January transfer window which kept top clubs in Europe on high alert including Antonio Conte’s Chelsea.
But according to Le Saux, a move to London may not be the most viable option for the 26 year old Van Dijk. In a recent interview, Le Saux said, ‘If Chelsea are to carry on with playing a back three then they need top quality players in those positions but [Gary] Cahill, [David] Luiz and [Cesar] Azpilicueta are all having decent seasons so far. ‘In addition, [Andreas] Christensen has done well having come through the ranks so I think Van Dijk would have quite the fight on his hands in trying to displace those players from the starting XI. ‘The bigger issue for me is the need for a strong backup option to Marcos Alonso.’
Conte though saw his side take a battering in a 1-0 loss to table toppers Manchester City in their last Premier League game at Stamford Bridge. But with Van Dijk keeping a move open in January, the Blues may want to strengthen their defense by luring him away from the South coast.
Van Dijk would certainly want to play regular football and may get a better opportunity to play in the first team for Klopp’s Liverpool. However, Southampton were reluctant to accept the advancing negotiations from the Merseyside club. But will they continue to do so? Or Will Van Dijk move away from Mauricio Pelligrini’s team.
Editor’s Verdict – Who Will Sign Him?
Both teams could do with yet another defender at the moment, as they are eager to shine in the various competitions that they are part of. Despite that, considering for the long run, it seems that it might be the Merseyside outfit who might be more eager to add him, as they have failed to win a single trophy since the arrival of Klopp at Anfield.
The German manager came with a lot of promise and it might so be the case, that he could possibly push hard to add more quality to his squad, as the need to win silverware becomes more important than ever.
