Jose Fonte has apologised for social media post hinting Southampton defender Ryan Bertrand could be next to join Liverpool
Bertrand has been linked with moves away from St Mary's with Manchester City and Liverpool keen, but his former team-mates post suggesting he's next out the door to Merseyside angered Saints fans
WEST HAM defender Jose Fonte has apologised for causing a stir on social media after suggesting Ryan Bertrand could be next to join Liverpool after Virgil van Dijk.
The Dutchman will become the world’s most expensive defender when he moves to Anfield for £75million next month.
Fonte, 34, who played with Van Dijk in the heart of the Saints defence before his switch to West Ham a year ago, congratulated his old team-mate on his big money move to Merseyside.
Fonte said on Instagram: “Pleased for you!! Good luck brother!! Another one @iamryanbertrand.”
By tagging Saints full-back Bertrand in his response, the Portuguese defender may have been appearing to suggest the England star could be the seventh player to leave St Mary’s for Anfield.
Bertrand, 28, has been heavily linked with a move away from the South Coast with Liverpool and Manchester City showing interest, so Fonte’s post angered Saints fans.
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Realising how his post has been interpreted, the Hammers defender, who is battling back to fitness, tried to clear things up.
Fonte said on Instagram: “No disrespect towards Saints whatsoever on the comment made on VVD picture!
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“Only saying that another player (6th) moves to Liverpool which was something Bertrand and myself used to joke about!
“Apologies if anyone got upset.”
Van Dijk follows in the footsteps of Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana, Nathaniel Clyne, Dejan Lovren and Sadio Mane who have all moved form Southampton to Liverpool in recent years.