AC Milan monitoring Virgil van Dijk as Liverpool contract uncertainty grows

Virgil van Dijk’s future at Liverpool is attracting increasing attention, with AC Milan considering a move for the Netherlands captain if the club’s current contract uncertainty remains unresolved.

Van Dijk’s existing deal at Anfield runs until 30 June 2027, but Liverpool have yet to make a clear move to extend it. The 35-year-old would be free to negotiate and sign an agreement with another club from 1 January 2027 under transfer regulations.

Italian publication Calciomercato reports that AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale has been interested in Van Dijk since last summer and is now seriously considering the possibility of bringing him to the club. Milan believe his arrival could have an impact similar to that made by Luka Modric since the Croatia international joined in the summer of 2025.

Van Dijk has offered no firm indication about his next step, although he has said he remains comfortable and wants to continue playing at the highest level.

“I feel good, but there is nothing new at the moment and I am not worried about that,” he said. “I want to keep playing and continue doing what I am doing. If I renew my contract, that would be great, and if it does not happen, I will move to another club.”

Calciomercato says Liverpool are not expected to regard a decision on Van Dijk’s future as an immediate priority in July, with other negotiations also being considered, including the future of Dominik Szoboszlai.

Despite being in the later stages of his career, Van Dijk has remained an important player for Liverpool. He made 15 appearances in the first half of the season across the Premier League, Champions League and League Cup. His physical condition is also understood to be a key factor for Liverpool when assessing whether to extend his stay, given the injury problems that affected him during earlier periods of his career.

AC Milan plan defensive changes

AC Milan are preparing to strengthen their defence in January, with Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio and M. Sylla of Union Saint-Gilloise among the options being considered.

However, the club’s plans could change in the summer if a genuine opportunity emerges to sign Van Dijk. Milan see him as a player capable of providing a different level of quality, experience and leadership as they aim to return to the Champions League after missing the competition for two seasons.

Cardinale believes Van Dijk could bring authority to the back line and the dressing room in the same way Modric has influenced Milan’s midfield. The Dutchman’s leadership, European experience and ability to guide younger players are central to the attraction.

AC Milan are not the only potential suitors. Galatasaray and Fenerbahce have the financial strength to make an appealing offer, while Trabzonspor, who have Mohamed Salah in their squad, are also monitoring the situation.

Milan are encouraged by Van Dijk’s admiration for the club’s history. He has previously praised Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta, saying: “I loved Nesta and Maldini… Milan was something different.”

Liverpool still value Van Dijk’s contribution on and off the pitch. According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola and several club officials believe the team continues to need its captain, whose influence inside the dressing room extends beyond his defensive duties.