Home Scottish Premiership Celtic DONE: Southampton sign Van Dijk

DONE: Southampton sign Van Dijk

1
0

Southampton Football Club have signed defender Virgil Van Dijk from Celtic

The 24-year-old joins the Premier League club on a five-year contract, after just over two years with Celtic.

Earlier reports indicated the former Groningen man completed a medical at Southampton last night and a fee of ÂŁ11.5million had been agreed.

Van Dijk was linked with a move to Everton as a replacement for John Stones but the Merseyside club have insisted the England international is not for sale.

The Dutch defender expressed his joy at joining Southampton and admitted he can’t wait to embrace the challenge of playing in the Premier League.

“It was a very easy decision to join this club. This is a very ambitious club, who have been doing very well in the last couple of years” said Van Dijk.

Director’s comments

Les Reed, who is the executive director of football at Southampton also welcomed the addition of Van Dijk and acknowledged he has been a target for some time.

“We’re delighted to have finally got Virgil into the club after long and lengthy negotiations.

“We’ve had Virgil in our system for a long time and have explored the possibility of signing him in previous transfer windows, and this year we had a really strong opportunity to do it.

“Virgil has signed a long-term contract, so clearly sees a strong future here with us. He’s young, hungry and wants to prove himself” said Reed.

Written by Jack Wynne – @JackRobertWynne

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here