Alan Shearer: Why Liverpool FC were wrong to pay £75m for Virgil van Dijk
The Premier League legend questions Liverpool FC's decision to spend a world record transfer fee for a defender on Virgil van Dijk
Alan Shearer has blasted Liverpool FC for spending a world record fee on Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk.
The Reds agreed a deal to sign the Netherlands international in the January transfer window to finally end the long-running transfer saga.
Liverpool FC have reportedly coughed up a £75m transfer fee for the 26-year-old centre-half to eclipse Manchester City’s world-record £52m deal for Tottenham defender Kyle Walker in the summer.
Van Dijk was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool FC in the summer but the Reds were forced to issue an apology to Southampton after the Saints threatened to report their rivals for an alleged tapping up.
However, the former Celtic man has finally completed his long-awaited move to Anfield despite interest from Premier League leaders Manchester City and defending champions Chelsea.
Former Newcastle striker Shearer is staggered that Liverpool FC were willing to spend an eye-watering £75m on the Dutch centre-half.
“He is not worth that at all. Southampton could have named any price they want,” Shearer told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“Liverpool were desperate for a centre-half. They knew Liverpool had gone in for him in the summer. Southampton didn’t allow it. Everyone is aware Liverpool are desperate for a defender.
“Any club they were buying from could name their price. He is a good defender but he is not worth £75m. Southampton have got a hell of a deal.”
Liverpool FC are in fourth place in the Premier League table ahead of the visit of Leicester City on Saturday following a 5-0 victory over Swansea City on Boxing Day.
The Reds will take on Portuguese side FC Porto in the Champions League last 16 in February.
