GdS: ‘Modric of the defence’ – Milan’s chances of landing van Dijk next summer increase

By: Ben Dixon

AC Milan have been incredibly interested in a move for Virgil van Dijk in recent years and the opportunity to do so may now have arrived.

Last summer, Gerry Cardinale hoped to sign van Dijk, with just a year left on his deal. However, the timing was not right and the American couldn’t make it work. Yet, that wasn’t the end of the interest and things could heat up in the early stages of next year.

As Gazzetta dello Sport wrote this morning (seen below), it’s not the first opening that the Rossoneri have had with van Dijk, but it’s perhaps their biggest yet. For the first time, he’s cast doubt on his Liverpool future, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season.

Speaking yesterday, he admitted that it would be ‘fine’ if there was a renewal offer made, but if not, he had no issue heading elsewhere.

Cardinale has been obsessed with the idea of adding the imposing Dutchman to his Diavolo defence for some time now, even trying to sign him in the summer. However, the terms of a deal weren’t right then.

Andoni Iraola hasn’t shown a strong determination to tie van Dijk down to a new deal, so the Dutchman would be free to discuss a new home in the early parts of 2027.

Milan wouldn’t be alone in their interest in a move, though. Interest from Turkey – Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and Trabzonspor – is present, as are Saudi Arabian clubs. So, it will be dependent on whether the Dutchman prioritises money or his childhood passion.

He fell in love watching Alessandro Nesta and Paolo Maldini, and now the time may come to emulate them as long as the foundations are right. So, the Rossoneri must return to the Champions League, as well as adding some other key players.

Nevertheless, his arrival would be compared to Luka Modric in defence, an elite player whose reputation is among the best of his peers. He could be the core part of a new defence for the Diavolo.