Alan Shearer has slammed the £75 million transfer that will bring Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool in January, claiming the defender is not worth that kind of fee.
The Reds were left celebrating on Wednesday as they announced that Southampton's star would be finally joining the club after a protracted transfer saga.
The Dutchman in turn becomes the most expensive defender in history, taking the record previously set by Manchester City with the arrival of Benjamin Mendy.
But Shearer, who began his professional career at Southampton before moving to Blackburn and later hometown club Newcastle United, believes Van Dijk is severely over-valued.
"No, he is not worth it at all. Southampton could have named any price they wanted and Liverpool were desperate," the former England international told BBC Sport.
"As we have witnessed many times this season, Liverpool are in dire need of a centre-half. He is good, but £75m? No.
"He is a good central defender, but for £75m, no way. When Liverpool try and sign a goalkeeper — which they desperately need — they will find the same thing."
Shearer was not the only football personality to speak out, as social network Twitter was abuzz with reaction to the hefty signing.
£75m
— Sid Lowe (@sidlowe) 27 de diciembre de 2017
Bloody hell
The Liverpool team which will nearly win the league in 2022-23. pic.twitter.com/gmFyKODytm
— Andy Mitten (@AndyMitten) 27 de diciembre de 2017
Are Liverpool going to buy the Ted Bates' statue next and move it from St Mary's to the Kop? Francis Benali's curry house and put it next to The Arkles? Rename Anfield 'The Dell'?
— Andy Mitten (@AndyMitten) 27 de diciembre de 2017
£75m WOW
— Philip Neville (@fizzer18) 27 de diciembre de 2017
We pulled out at 50m https://t.co/28z7pbFc3o
— Philip Neville (@fizzer18) 27 de diciembre de 2017
Loving the news. Van Dijk is a great signing for Liverpool. Add Keita to the mix in the summer and things are looking very promising!
— michael owen (@themichaelowen) 27 de diciembre de 2017
Liverpool under Jürgen Klopp:
— LFCVine (@LFCVine) 27 de diciembre de 2017
• Naby Keita rejects Barcelona for Liverpool.
• Oxlade-Chamberlain rejects Chelsea for Liverpool.
• Virgil van Dijk rejects Man City for Liverpool.
• Lemar prefers a move to Liverpool rather than Arsenal.
• Goretzka... pic.twitter.com/3mkK5zM7fs
Mourinho spends £300M on 7 players & rival fans say 'Chequebook manager, he's been backed.'
— Drawty Devil (@DrawtyDevil) 27 de diciembre de 2017
Klopp spends £300M on 7 players & rival fans say 'Great bit of business there, absolute bargain getting Van Dijk for £75M. Still needs more.' pic.twitter.com/fvUW3sZE56
"Liverpool Football Club can confirm they have reached an agreement with Southampton for the transfer of Virgil van Dijk." pic.twitter.com/lwyEHayOHM
— Sam McGuire (@SamMcGuire90) 27 de diciembre de 2017