AC Milan is said to have launched a new Virgil van Dijk transfer plan with a Liverpool exit ruled out for this summer, but his contract only running until the end of 2026/27
08:09, 09 Jul 2026
Virgil van Dijk during the Netherlands' eventual World Cup defeat to Morocco.
Virgil van Dijk during the Netherlands' eventual World Cup defeat to Morocco. (Image: Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)
While Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk won't be going anywhere this summer, despite some speculation last week that there was interest from Italy and Turkiye, but his contract at Anfield only runs until next year.
Van Dijk, who turned 35 on Wednesday, remains one of the best defenders around, and he played every minute that mattered for Liverpool last season under Arne Slot.
With very young options around him, including $83 million (£60 million) man Jeremy Jacquet and the very highly-rated 19-year-old talent Giovanni Leoni, Van Dijk's experience at the back will be vital for Andoni Iraola too.
But according to La Gazetta dello Sport, after realizing a deal would be impossible this summer, AC Milan is hoping to sign Van Dijk as a free agent in a year's time.
A few days ago, there were links with a move to Italy this summer, but those were quickly dismissed. While Van Dijk has only a limited time remaining on his existing contract, though, there will be links with moves elsewhere.
Last week, he posted an emotional message on social media following the Netherlands' early exit at the World Cup at the hands of Morocco — with Ronald Koeman having resigned and Slot a candidate to take over.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 19: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Hill Dickinson Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk signed a new deal with Liverpool in 2025(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
"As captain, all I ever wanted was to make this country proud," Van Dijk wrote. "To see our World Cup end so early is heartbreaking because I know how much this team gave every single day.
"A lot has been said and that is for another day. Now is about accepting that we failed, and we take full responsibility for that.
"I’d like to thank our traveling fans and everyone back home who believed in us and stood by us until the end. We saw you, and we felt your support every step of the way."
Reds legend John Barnes is very keen for Van Dijk to stay beyond the end of his existing deal.
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"I'd like to see Virgil’s contract being extended because for Iraola, he'll need his senior players," Barnes told Betfred. "Those that have been around the block and know the club... so I think it’s important that we keep a hold of Virgil next season."
Liverpool.com says: A move to Serie A, where the pace is slower, could work out one day for Van Dijk, who should still have a long time left in his career.
For now, though, as Barnes says, he remains hugely important for Liverpool. Jacquet and Leoni are the future, but they need as much time learning from the best as they can get.