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Why Liverpool And Southampton Should Jump At The First Chance To Complete This Swap Deal – Makes Sense For Everyone

Virgil Van Dijk
Virgil Van Dijk

Why Swapping Virgil van Dijk And Mamadou Sakho Would Be A Great Move For Both Liverpool And Southampton

The tide seems to have turned at Anfield as Liverpool are finally ready to break the bank to land one of the hottest transfer prospects at the moment, Virgil van Dijk. The Dutch defender is easily one of the best centre-backs in England and is wanted by a lot of top clubs. But reports today suggest that Van Dijk has agreed to terms with the Reds and that the Anfield outfit are in talks with Southampton over the right transfer fee.

The Saints are aware of the interest in the player and are demanding £60m but with Van Dijk already revealing his intentions of playing under Jurgen Klopp, Claude Puel’s side have now taken other measures to make sure Liverpool meet his valuation.

Though many reports suggest that Liverpool are ready to offer Southampton over £50m, it is not something the Reds are known for and the reported wage package of £200,000-a-week makes it more interesting.

It looks like Liverpool are determined to do what it takes to land Van Dijk even before the transfer window is open and the Saints are already in search of his replacement. They are looking at some decent options but one player they should be looking at is Liverpool’s Mamadou Sakho.

His exhilarating performances for Crystal Palace last season saw him help them to safety and win a number of accolades. However, Sakho is still not in the good books of Klopp who wants to offload him for close to £30m.

Mamadou Sakho Liverpool
Mamadou Sakho

If Liverpool are able to sell Sakho at that price, the £50m on Van Dijk will not seem as bad. But can they actually do a swap? Sakho, by no means is a dud and is a player who will certainly improve the defensive line at the St Marys. Though Southampton are not really looking at the French star as a possible option, they should try and target him, only to make Van Dijk’s deal more profitable.

Liverpool are desperate for the Dutch defender and will do anything to land him this summer. So the Saints should try and lure Sakho as a part of the deal as they can still get Liverpool to pay more than £30m for his services.

This will see Southampton purchasing an able replacement for Van Dijk, maybe even someone who can turn out to be better, meanwhile making a hefty profit on the sale. It is a deal that makes a lot of sense in many areas and with Crystal Palace also not sure about their spending powers, to meet Liverpool’s valuation, this swap-deal would also be profitable for Sakho.

The Van Dijk saga has now been on for more than a week and if Liverpool want to have the edge, they might themselves have to introduce Sakho into the deal.

Do you think the Saints will take Sakho + cash for Van Dijk? Is it a bright deal for Southampton?