Virgil van Dijk has said that he would consider the “right opportunity” at another club, as Southampton prepare to make their move to tempt him from Celtic.
The central defender was part of the Celtic team that lost their Champions League play-off to Malmo on Tuesday night, and he was evasive when asked whether he had played his last game for the Scottish club.
“I don’t know, it’s so close after the game,” Van Dijk said. “I can’t give my opinion on that right now. I’m very disappointed. It’s a terrible way, if it ends like this, I don’t know what’s going to happen.
“I’m not looking for anything. Celtic is a great place to be and they gave me the opportunity to show myself so I’m very thankful for that. But if the opportunity comes, and it’s the right opportunity for me, then I’ll consider it. That’s what every player will do.”
Ronald Koeman, the Southampton manager, is a long-time admirer of Van Dijk, a fellow Dutchman. Koeman is keen to sign another centre-half to add to his options, which currently compromise José Fonte, Maya Yoshida and Steven Caulker.
Van Dijk was asked whether he was aware of any offer from Southampton. “I can’t give any words on that right now,” he replied. “You need to ask the board that. I don’t know what’s going to happen in the upcoming days. We will see. It’s still difficult. Celtic is an amazing club. I want to say that I’m very thankful for everything that they did for me.”
