Milan Reportedly Eye Van Dijk on Free Transfer if Liverpool Contract Talks Stall

What happened

Milan are reportedly preparing to pursue Virgil van Dijk on a free transfer if the Liverpool captain does not extend his contract, according to Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport, as cited by Football Italia. The Dutch defender is into the final year of his deal at Liverpool, which the report states expires on June 30, 2027, meaning that without an extension he would be free to negotiate with other clubs from January onwards.

Report details

According to the Gazzetta report, Milan's interest in Van Dijk dates back several years, but the conditions for a deal had not been in place even as recently as the most recent summer transfer window. Given his age and substantial wages, the Rossoneri would only move for him on a free transfer. The report adds that Milan owner Gerry Cardinale and his advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic are both said to be admirers of the player. It also notes that Cardinale's RedBird Capital Partners, the investment firm through which he owns Milan, holds a minority stake in Fenway Sports Group, which owns 62% of Liverpool's shares.

Van Dijk, who the report lists as 35, recently addressed his future after a Premier League match against Crystal Palace, saying: "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." Gazzetta acknowledges that Milan would struggle to compete if Van Dijk prioritises a lucrative final contract, with Saudi and Turkish clubs, including Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, cited as potential rivals. The report suggests Milan could be well placed if he wants to keep playing at the highest level, particularly if the club qualifies for next season's Champions League.

Football Italia also cites BBC Sport in reporting that Liverpool are keen to avoid "another Mohamed Salah situation," referring to the Egyptian, whose strong 2024-25 season earned him a lucrative extension before his numbers and performances dropped sharply, leading to his sale the following summer. The report notes Liverpool's defence is approaching a period of transition, with Van Dijk in his late 30s and long-serving Joe Gomez also entering the final months of his contract, while the club holds a buy option in its loan deal for Ronald Araujo and has young centre-back talents coming through, including Italy's Giovanni Leoni.