Danny Murphy explains why Liverpool FC need to sign top 26-year-old
The ex-Liverpool midfielder discusses why Jurgen Klopp needs to sign Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool wanted to sign Southampton captain Virgil van Dijk to add a leader to their defence, Danny Murphy says.
The Reds were heavily linked with a move to sign the Dutch centre-half in the summer transfer window but Liverpool were unable to get a deal over the line.
Indeed, Liverpool were forced to issue a statement apologising to Southampton about their pursuit of the 26-year-old centre-half.
However, the Reds’ statement didn’t extinguish talk of Liverpool signing Van Dijk and the Saints captain even handed in a transfer request to force through a move to Liverpool.
The Reds have already conceded 12 times in eight games this season to raise serious concerns about Klopp’s back four.
Liverpool failed to sign an alternative to Van Dijk to improve their defensive options after going all in on the Netherlands star.
Former Liverpool midfielder Murphy explained just why Klopp wanted to sign Van Dijk in the most recent transfer window.
“They wanted Van Dijk because he is a leader. He is powerful in the air. He digs people out,” Murphy told Sky Sports.
Liverpool will take on Tottenham at Wembley in their next Premier League game on Sunday.
Liverpool were 2-0 winners against Tottenham at Anfield in February in the most recent meeting between the top four rivals.
The Reds finished two places behind Spurs in the league table last term.
