Van Dijk’s Liverpool stand-off opens door to AC Milan and Turkish interest

AC Milan are monitoring Virgil van Dijk’s uncertain Liverpool future, with the Italian club considering a summer move for the Netherlands captain as no clear progress has been made on a new contract at Anfield.

The 35-year-old’s current deal expires on 30 June 2027, meaning he would be free to negotiate and sign an agreement with another club from 1 January 2027 under transfer regulations. Liverpool are understood not to regard a decision on his future as an immediate priority, with other issues, including Dominic Szoboszlai’s position, also under discussion.

Van Dijk has attempted to remain relaxed about the situation, while making clear that he 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 it,” 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.”

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale has been considering Van Dijk since last summer and has returned to the idea of pursuing him seriously. The club believe his arrival could have an impact similar to that of Luka Modric, who joined Milan in the summer of 2025 and has brought experience and authority to the midfield and dressing room.

Van Dijk has made 15 appearances in the first half of the season across the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and League Cup. His physical condition is also viewed positively, an important factor for Liverpool when assessing his future given the fitness problems that affected him at earlier stages of his career.

Milan are not waiting until the summer to strengthen in defence and plan to sign a defender during the January transfer window. Goncalo Inacio of Sporting CP and M. Sylla of Union Saint-Gilloise are among the names being considered.

A genuine opportunity to sign Van Dijk in the summer, however, would represent a different level of investment, both technically and in terms of leadership. Milan hope to return to the UEFA Champions League after missing the competition for two seasons, a prospect that could strengthen their case when trying to persuade him to move to Serie A.

Turkish clubs also interested

Milan may face competition from Turkey, where Galatasaray and Fenerbahce have the financial capacity to make an attractive offer. Trabzonspor, the club that includes Egypt forward Mohamed Salah, are also monitoring the situation.

Milan believe Van Dijk’s admiration for the club’s history could work in their favour. He has previously spoken positively about defensive greats Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta, saying: “I loved Nesta and Maldini… Milan was something different.”

Those comments offer encouragement but do not amount to an indication that he has decided on his next club.

Liverpool still consider Van Dijk important on and off the pitch. Mondo Deportivo reports that current manager Andoni Iraola and several club officials believe the team still needs its captain, while Iraola is said to value the defender’s influence in the dressing room and his ability to guide teammates through difficult periods.

With Liverpool wanting to retain a key leader and Milan seeking a commanding figure for their defence, Van Dijk’s next move remains unresolved.