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Liverpool news: Virgil van Dijk deal as big as Rio Ferdinand joining Man Utd - Carragher
JAMIE CARRAGHER reckons Virgil van Dijk’s move to Liverpool is as significant as when Rio Ferdinand joined Manchester United.
Virgil van Dijk will cost Liverpool £75million
Liverpool agreed a £75million fee for Southampton star Van Dijk - a world record for a defender.
After undergoing a medical, Van Dijk will formally join up with the Reds on January 1 when the transfer window reopens.
Ferdinand, meanwhile, signed for United from Leeds for £30million in 2002 - a then British record.
The former England international attained legendary status at Old Trafford, winning six Premier League titles, the Champions League and three League Cups.
And Carragher, who made 737 appearances for Liverpool, is in no doubt about the importance of the deal.
Steven Gerrard backs Liverpool to sign Virgil van Dijk
That’s what Van Dijk has to do is win trophies and be No.1 centre-back
“I think they’ve got the right man,” Carragher told Sky Sports News.
“He’s one of the top centre-backs in world football.
“Maybe one player I remember as a centre-back with a deal that felt so huge was Rio [Ferdinand] joining Manchester United 15 years ago.
Jamie Carragher thinks Virgil van Dijk's deal is pretty big
“That was for about £30m. He repaid United. He was a top centre-back and won trophies for 10 years.
“That’s what Van Dijk has to do is win trophies and be No.1 centre-back.”
Van Dijk could make his first appearance for Liverpool against Merseyside rivals Everton in the third round of the FA Cup on January 5 at Anfield (7.55pm).
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