The Virgil Van Dijk Stays at Southampton Thread

It's hard, because it becomes a point of principle, and I back the club in this case. Good point about attracting future players, but I think most players know it makes sense to join Saints, as our reputation is good. I also don't think every player will be such a cockwomble about it as VVD is.

He's gonna go, sooner or later, and well get the bucks for him. He needs to play though, so he needs to sort that if he's here at the end of the window.

 

My feeling is that however bad things have got between Virgil and the club, there must be some hope that he can be rehabilitated. I know Beef reported that his behaviour has been worse than Lovren's, but if there was no hope at all of bringing him back into the fold surely we would have invited offers before now?

The other thing to remember is that Virgil hasn't played a game of football of any description since January. He isn't even in serious training to get fit to play, and the longer that situation continues, the more doubts will arise in his own mind about the course of action he has embarked upon. Even if he does still want to leave, in January or next summer, he has to prove to potential buyers that he is worth what Saints are asked no for him.

 

It's not the attracting them I am worried about so much. I think most players playing in smaller European leagues would jump at the chance of joining us, regardless of what happens with VVD.

It is once they have proven themselves in the PL, to get them to sign that 2nd long term contract so if they are to leave it would take a huge offer. Look at other players we have sold, Mane took a season and a bit to get fully up to speed and then left a year later, if he had signed a 5 year deal knowing that we were only giving him the deal so we could get more money, not block his move and he earns more in his last year then I think everyone would be happy.

I agree we need to get out of this cycle of selling players but the only way I can see it is to sell players, if that makes sense

 

Why not have in their contracts similar things that I have.

If I want to leave I hand in my notice. I have to give 3 months notice, some people have to give 1 months notice. VD could have had inserted in his contract, he can hand in his notice, but as he is an integral part of the squad, his notice period is 2 transfer windows. He would be available to be sold then this time next year. A 'lesser' player could have 1 transfer window and even lesser players no notice period.

He is compensated by having a higher wage than those on a shorter notice period and we can plan without him for a year. I'm sure football could adapt it - i.e. once in final year of contract then no notice period, final 2 years then 1 window and so on. That way the tapping up that we know happens would happen in full view for a year and we could set the price but not sell when we don't want to - nor be under media pressure to do so.

 

Newbie here. Mahrez has behaved impeccably and no offers seemingly, Coutinho and VVD disgraceful and yet offers are in or expected. Doesn't seem right somehow.

 

So what happens if VVD hands his notice in now for 2 transfer windows time and everyone decides to bid a tenner? He has served his notice and we have to let him go.

 

Welcome RedtheTiger.
It's not right. It's about greed and ego

 

Blimey you have just reminded me of my old school motto....." Your need is greater than mine" errr does that mean we should sell VVD to the scousers........?

 

Welcome to the board! Have a look at the link in my and the other mods' signature for useful tips!

 

What you have to remember is you can offer 3 months notice and leave. At the same time if they want to fire you they can get rid by paying your notice period. A footballer can leave but his registration stays with the club. Also the club cannot get rid of the player if he is no good, or sold to another club if he doesn't agree. (Until his contract is up.)

 

Liverpool fans have legit crashed an international flight tracking website. I know we get excited about new signings but this is borderline crazy. And they don't even know he's on it! I saw one twitter user say he was trying to contact the captain to ask if Virgil was on that plane!

 

I would bet every last £ of debt that I own (its my debt I make the repayments)
... that Van D will not be sold in this transfer window

 

Roma had multiple bids rejected for Mahrez.

 

Seen on Twitter that the private jet they were tracking was actually for Lallana and his family who were back in Bournemouth for the Bank Holiday weekend, coming back today. Most likely rubbish but would be hilarious if true.

 

We'll still be seen as a very, VERY good stepping stone into the PL & onto the top "6", maybe even higher. The only way that will change will be if we manage to become one of those 6. Les holding his foot on VD's neck for the extra year won't put off any prospects, I can assure you (sorry, just a figure of speech). It's all about £ & joining a club which can propel the player to the next level & our track record is fantastic / 2nd to none, as will be seen with VD whether it's this week or hopefully Jan or better next summer.

 

No, I have zero worries about putting future players off too. However, VVD signed a renewed contract. Initially it was 5 years, then a year later he upped it to 6. That's 7 years all told. He was keen to take it then.

 

They are still valuing him based on the season they should have sold him - the titl winning one. And then adding the summer 17 premium. So no takers. He was poorer last year so naturally most clubs feel his value shouldn't be as high . So he stays

Also Roma can't afford what Leicester want anyway. They are demanding the fee they would from arsenal

 

There is a chance that the situations with coutinho , Virgil etc will mean we start seeing less 5 year "second contracts"

 

I really doubt it. Fraser signed a new 5 year deal this Summer. If the club offers you a pay rise you're going to take it regardless.

 

No one wants him and no one is likely to for a while