'He is not worth it at all' - Shearer slams £75m Liverpool new boy Van Dijk

The former Saints forward had his say on the first blockbuster transfer of the new year, and other players were not slow to lend their opinions on VVD

Alan Shearer has slammed the £75 million transfer that will bring Virgil van Dijk to in January, claiming the defender is not worth that kind of fee.

The Reds were left celebrating on Wednesday as they announced that 's star would be finally joining the club after a protracted transfer saga.

The Dutchman in turn becomes the most expensive defender in history, taking the record previously set by with the arrival of Benjamin Mendy.

But Shearer, who began his professional career at Southampton before moving to Blackburn and later hometown club , believes Van Dijk is severely over-valued.

"No, he is not worth it at all. Southampton could have named any price they wanted and Liverpool were desperate," the former international told BBC Sport.

"As we have witnessed many times this season, Liverpool are in dire need of a centre-half. He is good, but £75m? No.

"He is a good central defender, but for £75m, no way. When Liverpool try and sign a goalkeeper — which they desperately need — they will find the same thing."

Shearer was not the only football personality to speak out, as social network Twitter was abuzz with reaction to the hefty signing.

£75m

Bloody hell — Sid Lowe (@sidlowe) 27 de diciembre de 2017

The Liverpool team which will nearly win the league in 2022-23. pic.twitter.com/gmFyKODytm — Andy Mitten (@AndyMitten) 27 de diciembre de 2017

Are Liverpool going to buy the Ted Bates' statue next and move it from St Mary's to the Kop? Francis Benali's curry house and put it next to The Arkles? Rename Anfield 'The Dell'? — Andy Mitten (@AndyMitten) 27 de diciembre de 2017

£75m WOW — Philip Neville (@fizzer18) 27 de diciembre de 2017

We pulled out at 50m https://t.co/28z7pbFc3o — Philip Neville (@fizzer18) 27 de diciembre de 2017

Loving the news. Van Dijk is a great signing for Liverpool. Add Keita to the mix in the summer and things are looking very promising! — michael owen (@themichaelowen) 27 de diciembre de 2017

Liverpool under Jürgen Klopp:



• Naby Keita rejects for Liverpool.



• Oxlade-Chamberlain rejects for Liverpool.



• Virgil van Dijk rejects Man City for Liverpool.



• Lemar prefers a move to Liverpool rather than Arsenal.



• Goretzka... pic.twitter.com/3mkK5zM7fs — LFCVine (@LFCVine) 27 de diciembre de 2017

Mourinho spends £300M on 7 players & rival fans say 'Chequebook manager, he's been backed.'



Klopp spends £300M on 7 players & rival fans say 'Great bit of business there, absolute bargain getting Van Dijk for £75M. Still needs more.' pic.twitter.com/fvUW3sZE56 — Drawty Devil (@DrawtyDevil) 27 de diciembre de 2017