Liverpool icon Virgil van Dijk has revealed what forced him to turn down Manchester City for Liverpool in 2018
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool reacts as he speaks to the media during a Liverpool press conference at AXA Melwood Training Centre on September 16, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk opened up on his decision to join Liverpool(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
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Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has previously opened up on why he chose the Reds over two of their rivals when he left Southampton eight years ago. The Dutch captain became the world’s most expensive defender back in January 2018 when he made the move to Anfield for £75million.
Van Dijk, 35, has become one of the finest defenders the modern game has witnessed during his spell at Anfield, winning eight major trophies, including the Champions League and two Premier League titles.
It could've looked so different, however, with Manchester City, the Reds' opponents in the league on Sunday, and Chelsea, also vying for his signature. In 2020, the centre-back admitted that ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was the biggest factor in his decision to move to Anfield.
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"I had the chance to go to Chelsea and Man City," he said in 2020. "When you compare the clubs, you look at the history, the town, the current squad, their plans for the near future.
"But the most important thing you look at is the manager – and Jurgen Klopp is an important reason why I chose for Liverpool. Klopp has something special. Is it his energy? Is it his overall image? I sometimes sit and think about what he does and what he has more than others.
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 25: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool embracing Virgil van Dijk captain of Liverpool during the Carabao Cup Final between Chelsea and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on February 25, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp was cited by Virgil van Dijk as his reason for joining Liverpool (Image: FC)
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"I think it is his man-management. These days that is more important than anything in football. Klopp gives you this great feeling. He is genuinely happy when you walk into the club in the morning. It may sound daft, but that really inspires you as a player.
"He gives every player a hug after the game. It might be a really small detail, yet it feels good for every player. And the next day, he can hammer you in front of the squad in training. But then you accept that too. Because you know it is not personal. That way he can demand a lot from us."
Klopp left Liverpool in the summer of 2024 and is now in charge of the German national team. Yet despite such a central figure leaving the club, and one so important to him, Van Dijk remained, going on to win the title under Arne Slot a year later.
Upon signing a new deal with the Reds in April 2025, which keeps him at the club until the summer of 2028, Van Dijk assured that it was only ever Anfield for him.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 25: (THE SUN OUT. THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool, lifts the Premier League trophy, as Liverpool are crowned the Champions of the Premier League for the 2024/25 Season, following the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield on May 25, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk has won two Premier League titles at Liverpool(Image: 2025 Liverpool FC)
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He said: "It was always Liverpool. That was the case. It was always in my head, it was always the plan and it was always Liverpool.
"There wasn't any doubt in my head that this is the place to be for me and my family. I'm one of Liverpool. Someone called me the other day an adopted Scouser – I'm really proud to hear these things, it gives me a great feeling.
"It always felt right. I said it from the first day on that it felt right and I think it showed in the years we have spent together up until now... I love the city, I love the club, I love the fans. I love my teammates. I love everything that embodies Liverpool and on to many more."