Virgil Van Dijk Leaves Celtic For Southampton

Photo by Jeff Holmes

Southampton have completed the signing of defender Virgil van Dijk from Celtic.

The 24-year-old former Holland Under-21 international has signed a five-year contract with Saints after a successful two years in Scotland.

He made 115 appearances for the Hoops, scoring 15 goals. He won two league titles and one League Cup

A spokesperson for Celtic said: “Celtic did absolutely everything we could to keep Virgil at the club, including an offer of a new extended contract on a number of occasions. However, it became very clear that he had made his mind up on seeking a new challenge in the English Premier League.

“Virgil has served Celtic very well for the past two seasons, we thank him for his contribution to the club and we wish him all the best for the future at Southampton.”

Virgil van Dijk told the official Celtic website: “I would like to thank all the Celtic fans for the magnificent support they have given me during my time at the club.

“Celtic is a brilliant football club, it will always be in my heart and I will always be a Celtic supporter myself.

“I know Celtic did not want me to leave and wanted to extend my contract. The club did everything to keep me and I appreciate that but I felt the time was right for a new challenge in the English Premier League.

“I thank everyone at the club, the manager and all the staff and I wish Celtic and the fans the very best for the future.”