On Wednesday evening, Liverpool confirmed the club record signing of Southampton captain Virgil van Dijk.The Dutch defender was chased by Jurgen Klopp over the summer - and even handed in a transfer request - but the Saints refused to sell.Van Dijk, who was sold by Celtic for £13m in 2015, will join Liverpool on January 1 after the two clubs agreed a whopping £75m deal.When asked what the 26-year-old will bring to the club, Klopp told Sky Sports: "Quality. That's why we got him, that's why we were interested in him. It's quite difficult at the moment because technically he's still a Southampton player."We don't make the prices, the market does. Liverpool supporters should forget about the price."We only talk about the player and what he can bring in; the quality, the mentality, the character. That is why we are really happy about it."Forced to train on his own throughout August, Van Dijk has been used sparingly by his manager Mauricio Pellegrino this season.
Southampton teammate Charlie Austin took to social media to share his frank assessment of the 26-year-old Dutchman.
Austin posts honest opinion on VVD
The 28-year-old Southampton striker grew up as a Liverpool supporter and sent a farewell message to Van Dijk on Twitter.
Austin described him as "one of if not the best centre back in the league" and he reiterated his claim when asked about it by a Liverpool fan.
If Liverpool fans weren't already excited enough about finally seeing him in a Liverpool shirt!
Speaking ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash against Manchester United, Pellegrino revealed what he hopes to do with the £75m windfall.
"The deal is done and will be positive for the club and for Virgil," said the Saints boss.
"You have to analyse in a positive way to try to reinvest this money in our squad to try to be stronger. This is everything.
"The decision is done, now we have to think about the future. At this level, at Southampton it is impossible now to bring in players for £80m or for £50m. But maybe for us it can mean in the future a couple of good players. Maybe we can change one player for two or three players with this money."