In September 2015, Southampton signed centre-back Virgil van Dijk from Celtic for £13m.
The Dutchman had only been at the club for two seasons, but they had been quite some seasons. The 6ft 4 defender had won two Scottish Premierships, one Scottish League Cup and had twice been named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year. He had become a mainstay in the Celtic team, and was a rock in defence for them.
His performances garnered huge amounts of praise from the fans, as he soon became a favourite at Celtic Park. However, it was inevitable that the 24-year-old would be leaving, as he looked to have outgrown The Bhoys. Fans seemed to know this as well, as he was destined for greater things.
That is why the majority of the fans took the move very well. No one was bitter about the transfer, and many were thankful to have had the player for the period that they did. Furthermore, to make a £10m profit on a player in two seasons was also seen as great business.
It was a short stay at Celtic Park, but it was one that won over the faithful there.
This is what the fans had to say:
@celticfc @VirgilvDijk all the best Virgil. Southampton have got themselves one hell of a player
— Aaron Finnegan (@AzzaFinn) September 1, 2015
@celticfc @VirgilvDijk @SouthamptonFC Thanks to Virgil for his great service. Saints have got themselves a top player. All the best big man
— John Beattie (@johnboybeattie) 1 September 2015
@celticfc @VirgilvDijk @SouthamptonFC all the best big man
— Chicko (@Mclaughlinn7) 1 September 2015
@celticfc @VirgilvDijk @SouthamptonFC good luck bigman
— 67 (@67Hula) 1 September 2015
@celticfc @VirgilvDijk @SouthamptonFC all the best big man. Great player
— Chris Smith (@z4chrissmith) 1 September 2015
@celticfc @VirgilvDijk @SouthamptonFC good luck to you big man, going to miss u #hailhail #CFC
— Michael Scott (@michaelscott_47) 1 September 2015
@celticfc @VirgilvDijk Good luck to big Virgil on his move to @SouthamptonFC, will be missed by Celtic fans, quality player
— Stephen (@stephpark4) 1 September 2015
@celticfc @VirgilvDijk @SouthamptonFC
— Dillbags (@dillonFinesy14) 1 September 2015
@celticfc @VirgilvDijk @SouthamptonFC great by of business. All eyes on Jozo
— James Moir (@moirjames) 1 September 2015
