Liverpool are really displaying their faith in Virgil van Dijk with their apparent transfer policy.
According to a report from the Telegraph, Sepp van den Berg, a 17-year-old centre-back from PEC Zwolle, is ready to join.
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The announced £1.79m fee suggests the Reds see a real future for him. If this were a mere ‘hit and hope’ academy signing, you wouldn’t risk millions.
It suggests that there would be three promising young defenders at the club. Ki-Jan Hoever, who has already played for the first-team, is also 17.
Joe Gomez is the immediate future. Injury is all that stopped him from being Van Dijk’s partner during the season.
And it looks as though this is Van Dijk’s ‘secondary’ role going forward.
Not only is he to be the dominant figure in the defence, but surely he will help along with the young talent.
First, Gomez. Fingers crossed, he’ll be a regular again by the end of the term. He proved to be a fine complement to Van Dijk last year. In the 17 games they began together, the Reds conceded just 10.
The hope is that he’s beyond the injuries and can resume his development alongside the Dutchman.
It asks quite a bit of Van Dijk, seeing as he is the majority of the experience in the partnership, but one he looks happy in.
Strangely enough, the Netherlands are also asking the same of him, partnering him with 19-year-old Matthijs de Ligt.
And then, once Van den Berg and Hoever are old enough to push for squad roles, a senior Van Dijk will probably help them, too.
Although, clearly, Gomez should be in a position to help.
But with the Reds putting their faith in growing youth in their defence, Van Dijk plays the pivotal role.
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It could be a fabulous move if the club has got it right.
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago
