Italian Journalist Keeps Hope Alive for Potential AC Milan Move for Liverpool Captain Virgil van Dijk

One Italian journalist is refusing to dismiss the possibility of a major transfer surprise involving Liverpool this summer. The Reds have already seen two key experienced players depart at the end of last season, with Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson moving on. This leaves Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker as the only remaining regular starters from the team that won the Premier League under Jurgen Klopp in 2020.

The Dutch centre-back has reportedly attracted interest from AC Milan, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. However, both James Pearce and Fabrizio Romano quickly downplayed suggestions that the 35-year-old would be leaving Anfield this summer.

Despite these reports, Gazzetta dello Sport’s English correspondent Davide Chinellato continues to champion the idea that Rossoneri owner Gerry Cardinale remains determined in his pursuit of the Liverpool captain.

Speaking on Carlo Pellegatti’s YouTube channel (via MilanNews), Chinellato said: “It’s clear that Van Dijk would do extremely well at AC Milan. He’s a more physically fit player than [Luka] Modric; last season he was one of the best, if not the best, in the Premier League. We’re talking about a player who still has a lot to give.

“Cardinale’s desire to bring him to Milan is clear; the player’s openness gives us hope.”

Liverpool supporters would undoubtedly be dismayed by any serious attempt to take Van Dijk away from Anfield. In the opinion of many, the Dutchman has been the premier centre-back in world football over the past decade. His potential departure this summer would be extremely difficult for fans to accept.

While Van Dijk may have shown occasional lapses last season, he remains one of the finest defenders in the game and has become even more crucial to Liverpool following the departures of Salah and Robertson.

New head coach Andoni Iraola will be relying heavily on the leadership and influence of the captain both on and off the pitch. Losing another starting centre-back after the recent exit of Ibrahima Konate would create significant problems for the team’s defensive structure.

Van Dijk is now in the later stages of his career and has just 12 months remaining on his contract at Liverpool. There is little point in pretending he will remain at Anfield indefinitely. The 2026/27 season could realistically be his final campaign with the club.

Young defenders Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet are being prepared to eventually replace the iconic number 4 in the long term. However, for the upcoming season, the Dutch international will be as important as ever to the 20-time English champions.

Milan would be wise to have alternative targets prepared, as Liverpool are unlikely to facilitate the departure of their captain anytime soon.

The potential interest from AC Milan in Virgil van Dijk represents one of the more intriguing storylines of the summer transfer window. The Italian club, under new ownership, has been ambitious in their pursuit of top talent to restore their status among Europe’s elite.

Van Dijk’s experience, leadership qualities, and defensive prowess would undoubtedly strengthen Milan’s backline. At 35, he still possesses the physical attributes and football intelligence that have made him one of the world’s best centre-backs for the past decade.

However, Liverpool’s stance on losing key players has been firm in recent years. The club has shown willingness to let contracts run down rather than sell star players against their wishes, as seen with previous situations involving Mohamed Salah and others.

The departure of Salah and Robertson already represents significant changes to the squad. Adding Van Dijk to that list of exits would create a major rebuilding project for the new coaching staff under Andoni Iraola.

The Dutchman’s importance to the team cannot be overstated. His leadership in the dressing room and his ability to organize the defense have been crucial to Liverpool’s success in recent seasons. His aerial ability, distribution, and reading of the game make him a complete centre-back who would be difficult to replace adequately in a single transfer window.

Young talents like Leoni and Jacquet show promise, but transitioning them into regular first-team roles would require careful management. The 2026/27 season represents a critical period where experience and leadership will be essential as the team adapts to new tactics and personnel.

For AC Milan, securing a player of Van Dijk’s calibre would represent a significant statement of intent. The club has been working to rebuild its squad and reestablish itself as a major force in European football. Adding a player with Van Dijk’s pedigree could accelerate that process.

However, the financial investment required and the challenge of convincing a player to leave a club like Liverpool would be substantial. Van Dijk has built a legacy at Anfield and remains committed to the club despite the interest from elsewhere.

Liverpool’s summer transfer strategy will be closely watched as they look to refresh the squad while maintaining their competitive edge. The potential loss of Van Dijk would necessitate significant investment in defensive reinforcements to maintain the high standards set in recent seasons.

The situation highlights the complex nature of modern football transfers, where player age, contract situations, and club ambitions all play crucial roles in decision-making. While Van Dijk’s experience makes him valuable, his age and contract situation create uncertainty about his long-term future at the club.

As pre-season preparations continue, Liverpool fans will be hoping that their captain remains at the club for at least one more season. His leadership and quality on the pitch remain vital as the team looks to challenge for major honors under new management.

The coming weeks will provide more clarity about Van Dijk’s future and Liverpool’s transfer plans. Whatever happens, the Dutchman’s contribution to the club over the past several seasons has been immense, and his legacy at Anfield is already secure regardless of when he eventually moves on.