MN24: Cardinale lines up attempt for Liverpool’s Van Dijk – the two conditions

Gerry Cardinale wants to make a statement centre-back signing and is targeting Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, a report claims.

It is no secret that Milan want to sign a new central defender in January, but they will also be evaluating potential opportunities in view of next season too, to add some experience to what is quite a young department.

According to MilanNews24, Cardinale has identified Van Dijk as a key signing to strengthen the defence. His contract with Liverpool – which expires in June – makes him a very tempting free transfer possibility, and he is the ‘big dream’ for next summer.

The Dutchman would represent a statement move for the Rossoneri, although the competition and financial demands make a potential deal anything but straightforward. Despite this, the Milan owner would like to make a concrete attempt, something La Gazzetta dello Sport also reported.

The RedBird Capital founder is willing to seriously evaluate the conditions for bringing the former Southampton and Celtic man to Italy. However, to even think about landing Van Dijk, there are two key conditions to be met.

The first is Champions League qualification, a crucial element in presenting the defender with an ambitious and competitive sporting project. The second is economic: a two-year contract worth €8-10m net per season would be needed.

It remains to be seen if Cardinale believes this is worth it, and what the incoming Head of Football Markus Krösche might think. However, Van Dijk would be a signing capable of bringing experience, leadership, quality and personality.