Fabrizio Romano confirms Ex-Southampton great isn’t returning to St. Mary’s now | OneFootball

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Virgil van Dijk has agreed to another two-year stay at Liverpool, halting any surprise Southampton summer homecoming dream for the defender.

Honestly, haven’t you ever wondered how strange player transfers can be? Almost every player leaving a club secretly dreams of a return one day, but very few actually make it back.

And even when they do, not everyone gets to manage their final years the way they would wish. Who knows this better than Southampton fans, who just witnessed club icon Adam Lallana’s case?

Still, no matter how or when, a home return always feels special, whether it’s an academy star or someone who once lit up the stadium.

Be it Lallana, Theo Walcott, or any other club legend, St. Mary’s has been blessed with emotional homecomings over the years. But this time? Something didn’t click.

Virgil van Dijk isn't returning to Southampton at least for next years

In case you missed it, Saints legend Virgil van Dijk was reportedly close to leaving Liverpool this season. Naturally, a return to St. Mary’s felt like a poetic finish to his illustrious career.

Sadly, it’s not happening, at least not yet. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Van Dijk has agreed to stay at Anfield until 2027. While the final contract is still to be signed, Liverpool are confident about renewing their captain’s stay.

Let’s be honest, there were no serious Van Dijk-to-Southampton rumours. But had it happened? Saints fans would’ve welcomed him back with open arms.

After all, in a campaign full of harsh shocks, Lallana’s premature retirement being a recent one, Van Dijk’s return could’ve been the feel-good twist to lift the gloom.

Still, it is what it is. Southampton fans will now watch their former star lead Liverpool for two more years, and who knows? Maybe Van Dijk still dreams of finishing his career at St. Mary’s someday.