'I rejected Man City transfer because of Liverpool boss – he has something special'

'I rejected Man City transfer because of Liverpool boss – he has something special'The chance to work with Pep Guardiola didn't trump the opportunity to play under this Liverpool bossCommentsSportFasika Zelealem Senior Sports Reporter10:00, 04 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesJurgen Klopp had tremendous influence(Image: Getty Images)Virgil van Dijk previously revealed the attraction of working under Jurgen Klopp prompted him to turn down the chance to join Manchester City. During his spell at Southampton, the Dutchman was among the most coveted defenders on the planet with City, Liverpool and Chelsea all vying for his signature.‌However, it was the Reds who emerged victorious in January 2018 as they secured Van Dijk in a £75million transfer, making him the world's most expensive defender. In the eight years he's been at Anfield, the 34-year-old has claimed eight major trophies including two Premier League titles and the Champions League.‌He's also collected numerous individual honours but it's a scenario that might never have materialised as Van Dijk previously disclosed his chance to team up with Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.‌Van Dijk said: "I had the chance to go to Chelsea and Man City. When you compare the clubs, you look at the history, the town, the current squad, their plans for the near future. But the most important thing you look at is the manager – and Jurgen Klopp is an important reason why I chose for Liverpool."Klopp has something special. Is it his energy? Is it his overall image? I sometimes sit and think about what he does and what he has more than others. I think it is his man-management. These days that is more important than anything in football.", reports the Liverpool Echo.READ MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold was open about how things were different at Liverpool before his exitREAD MORE: Steven Gerrard slams Arne Slot's 'two-faced' Liverpool and answers if he should be sackedFOLLOW OUR LIVERP...