Why Barcelona are ahead of Chelsea and Liverpool in race for Van Dijk

15 ott 2017

Barcelona are reported to be interested in signing Southampton star Virgil Van Dijk, a long time Chelsea and Liverpool target. The Saints, however, refused to sell the Dutch defender in the summer frustrating both their Premier League rivals.

According to The Mirror, the La Liga giants are now also interested in signing Van Dijk with the blaugrana who could make an offer in the January transfer window.

Southampton would reportedly prefer to sell their defensive star abroad rather than to another Premier League club, that’s why Barcelona are leading the race to sign the 26-year-old.

It must be mentioned, however, that the blaugrana may struggle to make a big money move for Van Dijk in the summer as Spanish media reports the La Liga giants will have to pay almost € 85 million in add-ons for Messi’s contract extension.

Van Dijk may become a credible transfer target in the summer when the player could realistically leave Southampton.