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The best things, so they say, come to those who wait.

And, boy, did Liverpool test the patience of their supporters with the protracted pursuit of Virgil van Dijk.

Now, though, almost six months after it had been originally anticipated, the end game has been reached.

Van Dijk will become a Liverpool player on January 1.

No ifs. Not buts. No maybes. It's happening. And it's primarily down to one man.

Jurgen Klopp.

Never mind the power of Anfield.

Van Dijk's decision to ignore interest from both Chelsea and, in particular, runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City is the most startling example yet of the power of the Reds boss.

When Fenway Sports Group brought the German to Liverpool in October 2015, they knew they weren't just bringing in a top-class manager and outstanding motivator.

They had also acquired one of the most persuasive men in the game.

Such is the allure of Klopp, whose enthusiasm and vision for Liverpool clearly left a huge impression on van Dijk and his representatives.

Anyone who been fortunate enough to spend time with the Reds boss will know it can be difficult to resist his exuberant, effusive personality, while impossible to ignore the steely determination that lies beneath the often jocular exterior.

(Image: Photo by Colin Lane)

And that's what has helped sway van Dijk to not only choose Anfield ahead of Stamford Bridge and the Etihad, but, even more tellingly, put his faith in Klopp ahead of Antonio Conte and Pep Guardiola.

Make no mistake, both Chelsea and City – along with Arsenal – wanted van Dijk. They wanted him back in the summer, and they would happily have taken him during the January transfer window.

But perhaps Liverpool and Klopp just wanted him more, and made that perfectly clear during the initial pitch to the 26-year-old.

Yes, there's the money, with FSG prepared to back Klopp's judgement in the player he regards as pivotal to the next stage of his team's development.

(Image: Liverpool FC)

But while the believed £75million cost is an astonishing amount – although when added to the zero transfer fee paid 18 months ago for fellow centre-back Joel Matip, it doesn't look quite as eye-watering – the real statement isn't regarding the size of the fee.

By choosing Liverpool, van Dijk is effectively saying he regards the Reds as long-term competitors to City, Chelsea and the rest.

Even if it was a case of van Dijk simply being a man of his word having, at least privately, made clear his intentions months ago, that also augurs well for Liverpool.

Van Dijk could easily have politely declined the Reds and walked straight into City's squad, a move that almost certainly would have guaranteed a Premier League winners' medal, with a strong likelihood of other immediate silverware.

After all the controversy of the summer, few could have blamed him.

(Image: Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

But he didn't. And now he's heading for Anfield.

The landscape may have changed since the summer in terms of City's dominance, but it has also shifted regarding Liverpool.

Yes, they remain in the fourth place in which they finished the previous campaign.

But it's clear they are a different proposition to last term, demonstrating great encouragement both in the Premier League and, tellingly, in the Champions League too.

It's why Klopp was so delighted a top-four place was secured back in May. He knew the impact it would have regarding Liverpool's forward momentum, not least signing new players.

Mohamed Salah's impact has been huge. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is improving with every outing. And Naby Keita is still to come in the summer.

Klopp, having identified the man he wanted to address an obvious defensive shortcoming, has stuck to his guns, refused to compromise and been rewarded.

Van Dijk's decision will not pass unnoticed. Players pondering a move to Anfield will now see the club and manager are serious in their attempts to place Liverpool back among Europe's elite.

Of course, top players have long since been drawn to the Reds. Signing leading talent is nothing new.

But the ramifications of van Dijk's expected arrival will be felt far beyond the heart of Liverpool's defence.

And that, more than anything, is down to Klopp.