Liverpool paid a record transfer costs to sign Florian Wirtz and Captain Virgil van Dijk played a role in convincing the German international to sign for the Reds in the midst of an important competition
Liverpool -captain Virgil van Dijk told Florian Wirtz that 'Liverpool is the place to be' in a call for the German star who completed his transfer to Anfield. The Reds defender revealed that he was one of a number of Liverpool players to argue for the former Bayer Leverkusen attacker before agreing to a record transfer.
Wirtz joined the Premier League champions in a British record £ 116 million deal and signed a five-year contract with the club. Liverpool abandoned the will of Bayern Munich and Manchester City to secure the 22-year-old signature.
Van Dijk, who expanded his own deal in Anfield earlier this year, played a role in pitching Liverpool to Wirtz while the German international weighed his plans for the future. The Dutch defender expects his new teammate to have a significant impact on the club.
“When I came to the club, I said,” I don't think there is a better place to be than Liverpool. “I really feel that way,” said Van Dijk.
“We had a fantastic season and I feel that this can only get better. When Florian spoke with the club and certain players, I also spoke a bit with him, I am sure he got an idea for it and then he made a decision.
“In my opinion he really comes a big impact here. It is also due to the show of every day. He comes there and it's good to see.”
Asked what he said to convince Wirtz, during their call Van Dijk added: “Ah, you want to know! I spoke to him, when that was between me and him. But I said to him:” Liverpool is the place to be “.”
Wirtz has been a headrest in an important summer of spending by the club. Arne Slot now also has Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Hugo Ekitike at his disposal. It is a clear contrast to the first summer of the Dutch coach who only saw Federico Chiesa coming.
Van Dijk is impressed by the club's company while trying to keep the Premier League title.
“Yes, I don't think it has been a bad transfer window in terms of the additions we have done and the money we have spent. The club clearly tries to improve our team,” he said.
“The Premier League is incredibly strong, so it's a good thing we have to improve. We know we have a very good team, but additions are always a plus and I am really impressed by how they have settled.
“Showing their qualities on the field is important, but also how they are noticeable in terms of us.
“Listen, there are no guarantees to keep the title or win more trophies. But improving the team is always a good thing. Add quality helps to increase the standard in both training and games.
“We have seen it all over the years, the team that is the most consistent victories, and that is the goal we have. We want to show our quality in every aspect of the game. That is a very tough job. If it was easy, you would have many teams until the end.”