Virgil van Dijk: Dutch defender joins Celtic
Last updated on .From the section Football

Netherlands Under-21 centre-back Virgil van Dijk has signed a four-year contract with Celtic.
The 21-year-old has joined in a £2.6m deal from FC Groningen, for whom he made 37 appearances last season, with a 10% sell-on fee for the Dutch club.
"It feels very good and I'm very excited to be here," he said.
And Celtic manager Neil Lennon tweeted: "Delighted that we have acquired Virgil van Dijk... a highly talented young player."
Van Dijk moved to Groningen from Willem II in 2011 and had two years left on his contract at FC Groningen.
"Celtic is the biggest club in Scotland and they also play in the Champions League," he said.
"They're a fantastic club and when Celtic came in for me I was so excited. Everything here is good so I can't wait to get started.
"I hope to play many games for my country in the future but first of all I want to make things happen here.
"I'm a strong defender and I'm good in the air, but I also like to play football on the ground, and I hope that we'll do even better than we did last season.
"I think I can bring something extra to the team and we will see how it works out.
"I'm ready for everything. I love to play football but I do love getting into duels."
The Scottish champions have already recruited striker Amido Balde, 22, from Portuguese club Vitoria Guimaraes.
With central defenders Thomas Rogne moving on, Rami Gershon's loan expiring and Nigeria international Efe Ambrose missing the start of the season while he plays in the Confederations Cup, Celtic manager Neil Lennon has moved swiftly to ensure there is cover and competition for places for the forthcoming season.
Centre-half is Kelvin Wilson's natural position while Charlie Mulgrew can play there, at left-back or in a more advanced position.
The Champions League qualifying draw will be made on 24 June, with Celtic's first match scheduled for 19-20 July.
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As Scottish football has been brought to its knees by some clubs' mismanagement and overspending, the country's top club can breathe a little life into the league with such prospects.
Looks a tidy player.
;) ER
Victor Wanyama..unknown
Gary Hooper...unknown
Fraser Forster..unknown
safe to say they are known now! Prosecution rests its case!
"Facts are facts. Put any of last years top 10 from epl in the bottom div of Scot football and the would rise ......"
It's about money numpty, and nothing to do with nationality. Celtic would be top 4 simply because of their worldwide fan base and therefore budget to buy top players. Having rich Russians, Arabs and Americans running EPL doesnt make for English superiority.
Chic Charnley... was there not a story about him v two neds, armed with swords, at Partick Thistle?
I've been watching them for over forty years !
Remember Henrik Larsson when he arrived (oh no, head in hands).
You are not supposed to say this of a legend, but Billy MacNeil was one too. At least once in every match (we prayed it would be at the beginning of the match).
Sometimes it wasn't (1969 against AC Milan)
Oh no, head in hands (bis). Great fun !
re 299 only time wil tell which way Lennon will go re cover at LB with Charlie at CB or cover at CB with Charlie at LB but one way or the other I reckon your right, last 16 here we come again!
re 300 I can't pretend I know anything visa vie finances but if £12 mill is correct then why not, what's good for the game should come first, we are or should, be all in it together...
We now have more money than we know what to do with. Can anyone in Scottish football suggest what we can do with a spare £12 million? I for one suggest that £1 million goes to The Foundation Of Hearts, as we are all in this together and without teams to play where would Celtic be. Scottish football, we need to stick together.
I hope he is the one to keep us solid at the back. I really do.
Later, if successful... Arsenal, why not? Everyone is a selling club nowadays.
Arsenal are great to watch but they don't really do... solid at the back
;-)
Am I on to some commission ....!
Thought they lost to Watford in 84......didn't think wee mo was playing ..defo Barnes was