Report: Milan to pursue Van Dijk if he does not renew Liverpool contract
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 08: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool applauds the fans after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Crystal Palace FC and Liverpool FC at Selhurst Park on November 08, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Reports in Italy claim that Milan look set to pursue a potential free transfer for Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk if he does not renew his current contract with the Premier League giants.
Gazzetta: Milan interested in van Dijk on free transfer
Van Dijk (35) is into the final year of his contract with Liverpool, expiring on June 30, 2027, and without an extension to his current deal, he will be free to negotiate with other clubs from January onwards.
According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan have been keen on the Dutchman for some time and could be poised to offer him a deal at San Siro if he does decide to leave Liverpool at the end of the season.
Gerry Cardinale is said to be a big fan as is his advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Cardinale’s RedBird Capital Partners, the investment management firm through which he owns Milan, also has a minority stake in Fenway Sports Group, which owns 62% of the shares of Liverpool.
La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Milan’s interest in van Dijk dates back several years, but even up until the most recent summer transfer window, the ‘conditions have not been there’ for Milan to strike a deal. Given his age and hefty wage packet, the Rossoneri would only be in the market for van Dijk on a free transfer.
The Pink Paper admits that if van Dijk is interested in a lucrative contract, potentially his last opportunity to claim one at his age, then it will be difficult for Milan to fend off competition from Saudi and Turkish clubs, including Fenerbahce and Galatasaray.
However, if he wants to continue playing at the highest possible level, then Milan could be in an ideal position, especially if they qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Van Dijk has recently commented on his future and contract situation: “Let’s see what the season brings. I’ve had an amazing time already so far. If that will be extended, that’s the case. If not, then I will go somewhere else,” he said after a recent Premier League game against Crystal Palace.
As per the BBC Sport, Liverpool are keen to avoid ‘another Mohamed Salah situation’. The Egyptian had an excellent 2024-25 season, which earned him a lucrative contract extension, but his numbers and performances quickly plummeted thereafter, leading to his being sold the following summer.
Liverpool’s defensive unit is approaching a period of transition with van Dijk now deep into his 30s and with long-term servant Joe Gomez also heading into the final few months of his contract. Liverpool have a buy option in their loan deal for Ronald Araujo and also have several young talents coming through at centre-back, including Italy’s Giovanni Leoni.
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