Virgil Van Dijk hands in transfer request

[TWOCHOICEStom]

Saints just trying to force Liverpool to pay a few million more. Once the Courtino deal is confirmed this will all be over IMO

 

[drew]

In that case, why did he sign a 5 (yes FIVE) year contract in the relatively recent past. He has made his bed and he should lie in it. Think of Dale Stephens. I presume there is not a buy out clause, so tough shot if the club do not want to sell at the moment.

The other side of the coin, of course, is that I believe none of the players we have signed were out of contract. So when it suits a club they can break a contract!

 

[Weststander]

In that case, why did he sign a 5 (yes FIVE) year contract in the relatively recent past. He has made his bed and he should lie in it. Think of Dale Stephens. I presume there is not a buy out clause, so tough shot if the club do not want to sell at the moment.

Legally you are correct. But in the real world of football, players on the up, signs improved very long contracts, where both parties gain, but both know that the player isn't going to stay the full term.

Mahrez signed a huge new contract at Leicester a year ago, but now just a year later he wants to go to Roma or Arsenal. Leicester aren't standing in his way, as long as they get the fee they think is right.

Why are Southampton being so stubborn on this? According to the media, Chelsea also want him, so it's not anti one other buying club. They won't let VVD go anywhere?

 

[DavidinSouthampton]

Legally you are correct. But in the real world of football, players on the up, signs improved very long contracts, where both parties gain, but both know that the player isn't going to stay the full term.

Mahrez signed a huge new contract at Leicester a year ago, but now just a year later he wants to go to Roma or Arsenal. Leicester aren't standing in his way, as long as they get the fee they think is right.

Why are Southampton being so stubborn on this? According to the media, Chelsea also want him, so it's not anti one other buying club. They won't let VVD go anywhere?

Because they have been milked dry of all their best players by Manure and Liverpool over the last few years - Luke Shaw, Lallana, Sadio Mane, Schneiderlin to name but a few.
Because there is VERY strong feeling among the fans about precisely this, so if they let him go without a fight it would be a public relations disaster.
Because they do not a readily available top class replacement already in place or lined up.
Because financially they do not need to sell him and they themselves have ambitions..

Need I go on?

All that doesn't mean he won't eventually go, but if he does go and the club struggles, the fans will be furious - more furious than they already are.