AC Milan are reportedly exploring an ambitious move for Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk as Ruben Amorim continues rebuilding the Rossoneri ahead of the new season.
The Dutch defender has emerged as one of Milan’s leading defensive targets following the club’s recent club-record signing of striker Gonçalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain. Reports in Italy claim senior adviser Zlatan Ibrahimović has identified Van Dijk as the ideal player to lead Milan’s defence under Amorim.
Speculation surrounding Van Dijk’s future has intensified after the Netherlands suffered a heartbreaking FIFA World Cup exit against Morocco. The Oranje looked set for victory before conceding a stoppage-time equaliser through Issa Diop, eventually losing on penalties after extra time. Van Dijk completed every minute of the tournament but did not take a spot-kick in the shootout.
Despite the growing transfer rumours, there has been no indication that the Liverpool captain is seeking a move away from Anfield. Equally, Liverpool have given no suggestion they are prepared to sell one of the club’s most influential players.
Van Dijk has one year remaining on his current contract, a situation that has inevitably attracted interest from clubs across Europe. However, any deal would be complicated by his substantial salary and Liverpool’s desire to avoid losing another experienced central defender after Ibrahima Konaté’s departure to Real Madrid earlier this summer.
While Milan are understood to admire the Netherlands international, reports suggest the move remains at an exploratory stage. Club officials are evaluating whether a transfer is financially realistic, with Sporting CP defender Gonçalo Inácio also being considered as a more attainable alternative.
Liverpool, meanwhile, continue to reshape their squad under new head coach Andoni Iraola. The arrival of Jérémy Jacquet has added another central defensive option, but Van Dijk remains the leader of a back line that also includes Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni, who is returning from a long-term knee injury.
At 35, Van Dijk remains one of Europe’s elite defenders and a pivotal figure at Anfield. Whether AC Milan can persuade both Liverpool and the player to consider a transfer remains uncertain, but the Rossoneri’s interest underlines their determination to add proven world-class experience to Amorim’s new-look squad.
