Virgil van Dijk's six-word message to Florian Wirtz that satisfied star to hitch Liverpool
Liverpool paid a file switch price to signal Florian Wirtz and captain Virgil van Dijk performed a job in persuade the Germany worldwide to signal for the Reds amid important competitors
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk informed Florian Wirtz that 'Liverpool is the place to be' in a name forward of the German star finishing his switch to Anfield. The Reds defender revealed he was one in every of a lot of Liverpool gamers to plead their case to the previous Bayer Leverkusen attacker earlier than he agreed to a file switch.
Wirtz joined the Premier League champions in a British file £116million deal and signed a five-year contract with the membership. Liverpool noticed off competitors from the likes of Bayern Munich and Manchester Metropolis to safe the 22-year-old's signature.
Van Dijk, who prolonged his personal deal at Anfield earlier this yr, performed a job in pitching Liverpool to Wirtz because the Germany worldwide weighed up his future plans. The Dutch defender expects his new team-mate to make a big affect on the membership.
"After I joined the membership I mentioned: ‘I don’t suppose there’s a greater place to be than Liverpool’. I actually really feel that approach," Van Dijk mentioned.
“We had a improbable season and I really feel like this may solely grow to be higher. When Florian spoke to the membership and sure gamers, I spoke to him as effectively slightly bit, I’m certain he obtained a really feel for it after which he decided.
READ MORE: Newcastle stars break silence on Alexander Isak's Liverpool switch as true emotions emergeREAD MORE: Arne Slot goals dig at Liverpool star as he introduces Hugo Ekitike to new team-mates
"Coming right here, he can actually make a huge impact for my part. It’s additionally right down to him by way of displaying it each single day. He’s getting there and it’s good to see.”
Article continues under
Requested what he mentioned as a way to persuade Wirtz, throughout their name, Van Dijk added: "Ah, you wish to know that! I spoke to him, when that was is between me and him. However I mentioned to him: ‘Liverpool is the place to be’."
Wirtz has been a headline signing in a big summer season of spending by the membership. Arne Slot now additionally has Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Hugo Ekitike at his disposal. It's a marked distinction from the Dutch coach's first summer season which solely noticed Federico Chiesa arrive.
Van Dijk has been impressed with the membership's enterprise as they try to retain the Premier League title.
“Yeah, I don’t suppose it’s been a foul switch window by way of the additions that we have now made and the cash we’ve spent. The membership is clearly attempting to enhance our squad," he mentioned.
“The Premier League is extremely sturdy so it’s solely proper that we have now to enhance too. We all know we have now an excellent group however additions are all the time a plus and I’ve been actually impressed with how they’ve settled in.
"Exhibiting their qualities on the pitch is vital, but in addition how they’re off the pitch by way of settling in with us. I’m certain when you requested them they might say they really feel very welcome up to now. They’ve clicked very well with the group.
"Pay attention, there are not any ensures by way of retaining the title or successful extra trophies. However enhancing the squad is all the time a very good factor. Including high quality helps to lift the usual in each coaching and video games.
Article continues under
"We’ve all seen it through the years, the group which is probably the most constant wins titles, and that’s the goal we have now. We wish to present our high quality in each single facet of the sport. That’s a really powerful job. If it was simple then you definately’d have a variety of groups up there till the tip."
Be a part of our new WhatsApp neighborhood and obtain your day by day dose of Mirror Soccer content material. We additionally deal with our neighborhood members to particular presents, promotions, and adverts from us and our companions. If you happen to don't like our neighborhood, you’ll be able to try any time you want. If you happen to're curious, you’ll be able to learn our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports activities discounted Premier League and EFL packageThis article incorporates affiliate hyperlinks, we’ll obtain a fee on any gross sales we generate from it. Be taught extra
£43£35SkyGet the deal right here
Sky has slashed the worth of its Important TV and Sky Sports activities bundle forward of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and providing greater than 1,400 reside matches throughout the Premier League, EFL and extra.
Sky will present no less than 215 reside Premier League video games subsequent season, a rise of as much as 100 extra.