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Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has eased concerns among Liverpool fans over another potential high-profile departure from Anfield this summer.
The Reds have already bid emotional farewells to Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson following the end of last season, while recent reports suggested another long-serving star could be on his way out.
AC Milan are reportedly interested in Virgil van Dijk, with the Dutch defender turning 35 on Wednesday and entering the final year of his Liverpool contract.
However, after The Athletic’s James Pearce dismissed the rumours over the weekend, Romano has also played down the prospect of Van Dijk leaving.
Much like Liverpool’s stance on Alisson Becker amid interest from Juventus earlier this summer, the club are unwilling to sanction the sale of their captain and are prepared to keep him for the final year of his deal, even if it means risking losing him on a free transfer in 2027 unless a new contract is agreed.
With Salah and Robertson already gone, Liverpool are understandably reluctant to lose another influential dressing-room leader. Allowing Virgil van Dijk to leave this summer would represent another major blow to the squad’s experience and leadership.
If this proves to be his final campaign at Anfield, the Dutchman would undoubtedly receive the farewell his legendary service deserves.
Speaking on his YouTube channel via Milan News, Romano said: “I understand that Van Dijk might be a dream for AC Milan fans, given that we’re talking about one of the best defenders in the world and an extraordinary player, but it seems to me that the Dutchman won’t go anywhere because he’s absolutely part of Liverpool’s project and has already spoken to new manager Andoni Iraola.
“Van Dijk will be crucial for the Reds this season. Imagine losing leaders like Salah, Robertson and Van Dijk in just one summer.
“The Dutchman is also the captain, and Liverpool have never considered the idea of giving him up as well. The Reds have made it clear that he won’t go anywhere; that’s their position as of now.”
Liverpool are already planning for the future, having strengthened their central defensive options with the arrivals of Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet, while continuing to invest in promising academy defenders.
Van Dijk’s time at Liverpool will eventually come to an end, but all indications suggest that moment will not arrive this summer.