5 of the most expensive players in the history of the January transfer window

#2 Virgil Van Dijk - Southampton to Liverpool (£75 million)

Van Dijk is Liverpool's most expensive defender.

Defending has been Liverpool's shortfall over the past few seasons and they had identified the Holland international to solve their frailties at the back.

Liverpool spent the entire summer of 2017 trying to sign him. He even handed in a transfer request which was rejected by the Southampton board. The Reds finally cooled off their interest after Southampton complained that the Reds had made an illegal approach for the centre-back.

Come January 2018, they were determined to get their man. They did just that and paid £75 million to secure his services, making him the world's costliest defender.

The centre-back made a perfect start to his Liverpool career after he netted the winner in the FA Cup tie against Everton.