Liverpool FC confirm Virgil van Dijk deal from Southampton

Liverpool have announced they have agreed a club-record deal to sign Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk.

The club posted a picture of the Netherlands defender on their website holding a Liverpool jersey and saying that he will join the team when the transfer window reopens on Jan. 1.

A source close to Liverpool said the fee for the deal was £75 million, which would make Van Dijk the most expensive transfer in club history and also constitute a record fee for a defender. Van Dijk will wear the No. 4 shirt upon his arrival at Anfield.

Southampton also confirmed the deal, announcing: “Southampton Football Club can confirm it has reached an agreement with Liverpool over the transfer of Virgil van Dijk.

“Southampton have agreed a fee that will set a new world-record for a defender. The club wishes Virgil well in his future when the deal is completed on January 1st 2018.”

Van Dijk wrote on Instagram: “Delighted and honoured to have agreed to become a Liverpool FC player! Today is a proud day for me and my family as I join one of the biggest clubs in world football!.”