Celtic sold Virgil van Dijk to Southampton for £13 million in 2015.
Virgil van Dijk's Transfer from Celtic
In 2015, Celtic completed the transfer of their formidable defender, Virgil van Dijk, to English Premier League club Southampton. The agreement saw the Dutch international move for a fee of £13 million. This sale represented a significant piece of business for the Scottish club, demonstrating their ability to identify and develop top-tier talent before selling them on to larger leagues.
Virgil van Dijk's Career Transfer History
Virgil van Dijk's professional career has been marked by a substantial increase in his market value, underscoring his development into one of the world's leading defenders. His move from Celtic was a pivotal point, preceding an even more significant transfer.
Below is a summary of his notable club transfers:
| Transfer From | Transfer To | Year | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celtic | Southampton | 2015 | £13m |
| Southampton | Liverpool | 2018 | £75m |
The initial transfer from Celtic to Southampton for £13 million laid the groundwork for his eventual move to Liverpool in 2018 for a record-breaking £75 million, which at the time made him the most expensive defender in history. This trajectory highlights how Celtic's initial sale effectively allowed them to "hit the jackpot" on a player whose value soared by hundreds of percentage points after leaving the club.
