Former Celt reveals the costliest example of English arrogance
Football - Dundee v Celtic - Scottish Premiership - Dens Park - 22/4/15 Cetic's Virgil van Dijk celebrates with Leigh Griffiths after scoring the second goal for his side Action Images via Reuters / Lee Smith Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
John Collins has revealed how the biggest clubs in England ignored Virgil van Dijk when he was available for a bargain £12m.
The Dutch defender was the star turn of Celtic’s 2014/15 season after making his mark the previous season after being signed by Neil Lennon.
Van Dijk was strongly tipped to leave Celtic during Ronny Deila’s first transfer window but was persuaded to stay where his partnership with Jason Denayer was crucial to Celtic’s League Cup and SPFL success.
The inside story on how @Arsenal turned down the chance to sign Virgil van Dijk from @CelticFC. #beINPL #LFC #AFC #CelticFC pic.twitter.com/VPJZa84kuQ
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) September 22, 2018
Collins was in no doubt that the former Groningen was the complete defender as he told Andy Gray and Richard Keys while analysing yesterday’s EPL action.
Southampton agreed to pay £12m for van Dijk in August 2015 before cashing in on the highest ever transfer fee for a defender when Liverpool paid £75m in January to take him to Anfield.
Celtic did pick up a sell on clause on that deal with Collins believing that the Dutchman is proving himself to be one of the top defenders in Europe.