5 costliest January transfers in history

#2 Virgin van Dijk (£75m, Southampton to Liverpool, 2018)

Van Dijk has been impressive for Liverpool

Liverpool's bank balance swelled due to Philippe Coutinho's departure to Barcelona last January. Jurgen Klopp dug in straightaway, making Virgil van Dijk the costliest defender in history. The Dutch centre-back was signed from Southampton for £75 million, as Liverpool made a statement signing.

Van Dijk has helped the Reds immensely. His arrival has radically changed the Liverpool defence. They reached the Champions League final last season, and now they are mounting a serious title challenge. Van Dijk has marshalled the meanest defence in the league this season, as Liverpool have conceded just 10 goals thus far.

Carrying the tag of the world's costliest defender brings great pressure, especially when you're at a club like Liverpool who is desperate to win trophies. Van Dijk has excelled thus far. Liverpool are 4 points clear at the top of the league, and the £75m is looking like money well spent.