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07th Jun 2017

Jame Carragher has a very definite take on why the Van Dijk deal collapsed

Paul Moore

He won’t be at Anfield anyway.

Jurgen Klopp’s transfer pans were dealt a serious blow this evening  with the news that Liverpool have dropped their interest in Southampton defender Virgil Van Dijk.

The club released a statement which read: “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. 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.”

As various outlets reported, the Dutch defender made it clear that Anfield was his preferred destination which makes the news even harder for Liverpool fans to comprehend.

Since the statement was released, some Liverpool fans have started to question why they’ve seemingly missed out on a player who could have made a seismic impact at the club.

As Premier League fans will know, the 25-year-old defender exudes confidence when he plays and his ability to read the game and dominate opponents is exemplary.

It’s also arguable that very few other defenders in England are as good as Van Dijk when it comes to passing the ball out of the back-four.

Chelsea and Manchester City are still interested in the Southampton defender – he could still force a move if Anfield really is his preferred destination – but various Liverpool fans have already started to point the finger.

The the club’s owners, FSG, and Jurgen Klopp have been in the firing line, but Jamie Carragher has a very definite opinion about why the deal collapsed.