Virgil van Dijk's six-word message to Florian Wirtz that convinced star to join Liverpool

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk told Florian Wirtz that 'Liverpool is the place to be' in a call ahead of the German star completing his transfer to Anfield. The Reds defender revealed he was one of a number of Liverpool players to plead their case to the former Bayer Leverkusen attacker beforehe agreed to a record transfer.

Wirtz joined the Premier League champions in a British record £116million deal and signed a five-year contract with the club. Liverpool saw off competition from the likes of Bayern Munich and Manchester City to secure the 22-year-old's signature.

Van Dijk, who extended his own deal at Anfield earlier this year, played a role in pitching Liverpool to Wirtz as the Germany international weighed up his future plans. The Dutch defender expects his new team-mate to make a significant impact at the club.

"When I joined the club I said: ‘I don’t think there’s a better place to be than Liverpool’. I really feel that way," Van Dijk said.

“We had a fantastic season and I feel like this can only become better. When Florian spoke to the club and certain players, I spoke to him as well a little bit, I’m sure he got a feel for it and then he made a decision.

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"Coming here, he can really make a big impact in my opinion. It’s also down to him in terms of showing it every single day. He’s getting there and it’s good to see.”

Asked what he said in order to convince Wirtz, during their call, Van Dijk added: "Ah, you want to know that! I spoke to him, when that was is between me and him. But I said to him: ‘Liverpool is the place to be’."

Wirtz has been a headline signing in a significant summer of spending by the club. Arne Slot now also has Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Hugo Ekitike at his disposal. It's a marked contrast from the Dutch coach's first summer which only saw Federico Chiesa arrive.

Van Dijk has been impressed with the club's business as they attempt to retain the Premier League title.

“Yeah, I don’t think it’s been a bad transfer window in terms of the additions that we have made and the money we’ve spent. The club is obviously trying to improve our squad," he said.

“The Premier League is incredibly strong so it’s only right that we have to improve too. We know we have a very good team but additions are always a plus and I’ve been really impressed with how they have settled in.

"Showing their qualities on the pitch is important, but also how they are off the pitch in terms of settling in with us. I’m sure if you asked them they would say they feel very welcome so far. They have clicked really well with the group.

"Listen, there are no guarantees in terms of retaining the title or winning more trophies. But improving the squad is always a good thing. Adding quality helps to raise the standard in both training and games.

"We’ve all seen it over the years, the team which is the most consistent wins titles, and that’s the aim we have. We want to show our quality in every single aspect of the game. That’s a very tough job. If it was easy then you’d have a lot of teams up there until the end."

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