Virgil van Dijk says Liverpool is the “perfect match” for him after his world record move from Southampton was officially completed.

The 26-year-old’s switch from the Saints was agreed last week, but with the January transfer window now open his deal, understood to be worth £75million – the highest fee ever paid for a defender, is now sealed.

The Reds have been admirers of Van Dijk ever since the summer, but after failing to land him during the pre-season break, they had to wait until now to finally capture him.

In fact, Southampton were so unimpressed with Liverpool's tactics and their approach for the centre-back, they lodged an official complaint, resulting in Jurgen Klopp's side apologising and withdrawing their interest in the Dutchman.

However, that clearly was just the beginning in the deal for Van Dijk, and now with the January transfer window formally open, he has finally completed his long-awaited move to Anfield.

He becomes the sixth player in recent history to complete the switch from Southampton to Liverpool, joining Dejan Lovren, Nathaniel Clyne, Adam Lallana, and Sadio Mane, who are still at the club, as well as Rickie Lambert, who has since left and retired from the game.

Every fan knew Liverpool needed a new centre-back in January, and with Van Dijk arriving, it looks like Klopp is finally building a team that could be considered genuine title contenders.

Especially when you add Naby Keita to the squad next summer.

However, all eyes are currently on Van Dijk, and he's spoken to Liverpool's official website after his record-breaking transfer was finalised.

The Dutchman told Liverpool’s official website: “With the history at the club and everything around it – even the training ground and stuff – it is just a perfect, perfect match for me, and for my family as well.”

Van Dijk will want to hit the ground running with his new club, as a £75m price tag also comes with a huge amount of pressure.