Worth his weight in gold? Nine metre statue appears in Liverpool

Some would say Virgil van Dijk’s signing means that much to the Reds…

Ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Manchester City this afternoon, a nine-metre gold statue has appeared near Anfield, inspired by the £75m signing of Virgil van Dijk.

That deal, incredibly, made the Dutchman the most expensive defender in the history of the game.

It is just the latest mega-money football transfer, following Neymar’s £198m switch to PSG last summer, when even the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain commanded a £40m price-tag.

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With debate over whether these players are worth their weight in gold, we erected the statue as a to-scale representation of what £75m in gold looks like, ahead of a possible first league match for van Dijk’s Liverpool.

Kop fans will be hoping their new man solves their backline issues – and doesn’t defend like a statue.

Asked about the statue spokesman Paddy Power said: “Transfer fees have gone absolutely crazy this season. I’m starting to think even I’d be worth at least £50million.

“We’re sure Liverpool fans will be pleased with their new golden boy, and I’m sure they’ll rate van Dijk, too.”

VIRGIL VAN DIJK SPECIALS

11/10     To leave Liverpool before the start of the 19/20 season
4/1         To leave Liverpool for Manchester City
6/1         To be appointed full-time Liverpool captain next season
50/1       To be sold for less than half of his £75million transfer fee within a year of his contract
200/1     To win the Balon d’Or in 2019

MATCH ODDS

21/10     Liverpool
13/5       Draw
5/4         Man City

The full Liverpool v Manchester City market is available here.

* All odds correct at time of posting.