AC Milan, under new manager Ruben Amorim, have identified Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk as a key target in a planned defensive overhaul, according to a report in Gazzetta dello Sport. The Italian club have already broken their transfer record this window with the signing of Goncalo Ramos from PSG for €74m, and Amorim is reportedly being heavily backed by the club’s ownership despite missing out on Champions League qualification.
The 34-year-old Van Dijk, who will turn 35 next week, has one year remaining on his current contract at Anfield. Milan believe this contract situation presents an opportunity to secure his services, though significant obstacles remain. A major hurdle is the lack of Champions League football on offer, and Van Dijk’s current wages of approximately £400,000 per week are considered unsustainable for most Italian clubs.
Any potential deal would likely require a substantial compromise on Van Dijk’s salary, and there is currently no indication that the player is actively seeking a move away from Liverpool. Despite his age, Van Dijk remains a pivotal figure in Liverpool’s squad, and the club are reportedly unwilling to let their best centre-back depart.
Further complicating matters, Turkish side Galatasaray have also expressed interest in Van Dijk, with reports in Turkey suggesting they are preparing a bid following the potential sale of Davinson Sanchez. However, it is widely believed that Van Dijk would be unlikely to consider a move to Turkey while still performing at a high level in the Premier League. His continued dominance in the English top flight suggests he would prefer to remain in a more competitive league. Van Dijk joined Liverpool in January 2018 and quickly established himself as one of the world’s best defenders, playing a key role in their Champions League and Premier League successes.
