In a latest interview on the “No Tippy Tappy Soccer” podcast by William Hill and Footy Accumulators, former Crystal Palace supervisor Neil Warnock unveiled a startling element that would have reshaped the membership’s historical past.
The legendary English supervisor Warnock disclosed that in his tenure, the Eagles have been on the point of securing the providers of Virgil van Dijk from Celtic for a mere £3 million, a fraction of his present astronomical worth.
“Van Dijk was at Celtic and I almost signed him to Crystal Palace for £3 million,” recounted Warnock. Nevertheless, the membership’s heavy reliance on statistical evaluation finally led them to move on this golden alternative.
The statistical evaluation division at Palace deemed Van Dijk not quick sufficient to thrive within the demanding atmosphere of the Premier League; a choice that might later hang-out the membership as Van Dijk’s profession has since soared to unprecedented heights profitable the Premier League and Champions League with Liverpool.
Crystal Palace rejected the possibility to signal Virgil van Dijk from Celtic
Neil Warnock strongly contested this resolution, asserting, “I instructed them why he doesn’t look fast, he reads the sport that nicely that he doesn’t have to interrupt a sweat!” His astute commentary of Van Dijk’s distinctive footballing intelligence was subsequently confirmed appropriately.
Southampton would swoop in and safe Van Dijk’s signature from Celtic for a modest payment ranging between £4 to £5 million. It was a transfer that proved to be a masterstroke for the Saints, as Van Dijk shortly established himself as one of the dominant defenders within the Premier League.
The end result of Van Dijk’s distinctive performances at Southampton led to Liverpool breaking the financial institution to amass his providers for an eye-watering £75 million, setting a world-record payment for a defender. Since becoming a member of the Reds, Van Dijk has been instrumental of their success beneath Jurgen Klopp.
