Liverpool lands Van Dijk in world-record fee for defender

"Liverpool Football Club can confirm they have reached an agreement with Southampton for the transfer of Virgil van Dijk," a statement on the club's website said.

Virgil van Dijk's protracted move from Southampton to Liverpool has been completed, with the reported £75million fee a world record for a defender.

The Netherlands international was on the brink of joining the Merseyside club at the start of the season only for the transfer to fall through after the Reds were accused of making an alleged illegal approach.

Liverpool issued an apology to Southampton over the incident and the deal has been revived, with Virgil Van Dijk signing a contract for an undisclosed length of time that commences from January 1.

READ: Van Dijk 'delighted and honoured' to join Liverpool

Although the exact details of the transfer have not been announced, Saints confirmed the fee "will set a new world record for a defender".

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

"I can't wait to pull on the famous red shirt for the first time in front of the Kop and will give everything I have to try and help this great club achieve something special in the years to come."

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! I can't wait to pull on the famous red shirt for the first time in front of the Kop and will give everything I have to try and help this great club achieve something special in the years to come I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Les Reed, the board, manager, players, fans and everyone at Southampton. I will always be indebted to the club for giving me the opportunity to play in the Premier League and despite a difficult last few months I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Saints and have made friends for life at the club. Thank you for everything Thank you for all the messages of support I'm now looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and getting started #YNWA

A post shared by Virgil van Dijk (@virgilvandijk) on Dec 27, 2017 at 10:08am PST

Manchester City was reported to be preparing a £60m move for Van Dijk, but Liverpool has beaten the Premier League leader to his signature.

Van Dijk previously handed in a transfer request in a bid to force a move to Liverpool, leading to then-Southampton manager Claude Puel exiling the defender from first-team action.

The 26-year-old has been on the sidelines again of late, with Puel's successor Mauricio Pellegrino opting not to use the centre-back amid speculation over his future.

Van Dijk was absent as Southampton were battered 5-2 by Tottenham at Wembley on Boxing Day and he has not played since Saints' December 13 defeat to Leicester City.

The arrival of the Dutchman will boost Liverpool's defence, which has come in for heavy criticism and conceded 23 Premier League goals this season, the joint-most of any side in the top six.

Van Dijk will also be available to play for Liverpool in its Champions League last-16 meeting with Porto in February as he has not played in the competition this season.