Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool: Southampton have released a statement

The Saints have paid around £15m for the centre-back and vice-chairman Les Reed pledges that he has signed ‘to play alongside Virgil van Dijk’.

He explained: “Wesley is one of the most promising young defenders in Europe and represents a significant addition to our squad.

“Having procured a Champions League finalist from one Italian club we have now added an Italian Supercoppa winner from another.

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“We believe he has all the qualities to play a big part in our future, and we have worked hard to bring him to Southampton, with a number of other high-profile clubs interested in him.

“Finding a top quality central defender is difficult in the current environment and now we have six internationals in this position, both young and experienced.

“Finding a naturally left-footed player is even more difficult.

“We have been tracking central defenders on our target list for the past 12 months and Wesley has always been at the top of that list, so it was important to act when the opportunity came.

“Wesley has proven his talent through his performances for Lazio, as well as the Netherlands, and we believe he can develop even further here at Southampton, alongside his international team-mate Virgil van Dijk, as well as the likes of Jack Stephens, Maya Yoshida, Jan Bednarek and Florin Gardos.

“With Wesley joining those players, we believe we have the right amount of quality, depth and flexibility at centre-back to help us achieve our aims this season.”

Van Dijk is currently training on his own at Southampton away from the rest of his team-mates after handing in a transfer request.

On joining Saints Hoedt said: “I’m really happy to be here.

“I think Southampton is a really big club, so it's a good next step for me to come here and to play in the Premier League and try to help the best I can.”

The Saints return to action tonight when they host Wolves in the second round of the Carabao Cup.