The news that Liverpool fans have all been waiting for has finally occurred. Van Dijk is officially joining the Merseyside club.The Dutchman has been a transfer target since the summer, and it looked as if Liverpool were going to close out a deal for him before the start of the season.However, they eventually had to pull out of any potential deal after Southampton reported them for making an illegal approach for the player.In an embarrassing episode for the club, Liverpool expressed their regret in a statement."Liverpool Football Club would like to put on record our regret over recent media speculation regarding Southampton Football Club and player transfers between the two clubs," Liverpool wrote."We apologise to the owner, board of directors and fans of Southampton for any misunderstanding regarding Virgil van Dijk."We respect Southampton's position and can confirm we have ended any interest in the player."

BUT THEY'VE FINALLY GOT THE DEAL OVER THE LINE

With Dejan Lovren under-performing in the heart of the Liverpool defence, fans of the club have been calling on Jurgen Klopp to go back in the market for the former Celtic defender.

And it seems Klopp listened to the fans pleas, when it was revealed on Wednesday that Liverpool have finally reached an agreement with Southampton for the transfer of Van Dijk.

VAN DIJK HAS A MESSAGE FOR LIVERPOOL FANS

Van Dijk has made it no secret in the past that he wants a move to Liverpool, and he even submitted a transfer request in the summer to try and push a deal through.

And he has now released a statement after the news was revealed, which contains both a message for Liverpool and Southampton fans.

Included in the message, Van Dijk stated how delighted he was to become a Liverpool player, and vowed to give his all as he joins one of the biggest clubs in world football.

Read the whole statement here: 

HE HAS COMMANDED A HEFTY FEE

With Van Dijk in the heart of the defence, Liverpool's defensive frailties may finally be resolved.

But he has come at a huge price. The fee agreed for the 26-year-old is a whopping £75 million, making him the most expensive defender of all time by over £20 million.

But Liverpool fans won't care. They are just ecstatic that the club have finally been able to get their man.