Liverpool have reportedly lined up Virgil van Dijk's long-term successor with the Dutchman linked with a move to AC Milan. As reported by Football 365, the Reds skipper could be on his way to join the Rossoneri in the summer of 2027.
The report also claims that the Merseyside giants have already identified van Dijk's replacement in his compatriot Micky van de Ven. The 25-year-old currently captains Tottenham Hotspur and would reportedly command a fee up to £90 million.
Virgil van Dijk has been instrumental in Liverpool's success since his £75 million move from Southampton in January 2018. He has made 380 appearances for the Reds till date and helped the club win nine trophies.
The Dutchman is regarded as one of the best defenders in the modern era and one of the best defenders in Premier League history. Elegant on the ball, he is exceptionally well-rounded and is a complete defender.
Even at the age of 35, he remains a key player for the Reds and has played every minute in the Premier League this season. He has done well alongside his new defensive partner, Jeremy Jacquet, this season.
The Dutchman's current deal at Anfield expires next summer and it remains to be seen whether he is offered a new deal. If he leaves the club next summer for AC Milan, Spurs captain van de Ven is reportedly seen as his successor by Liverpool.
Van de Ven only signed a new deal with the north London giants this summer and was named the club captain. He has made 101 appearances for the Lilywhites since joining them from Wolfsburg in 2023.
Liverpool star admits that he almost joined PL rivals in the summer
Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo has opened up on his failed move to Manchester City in the summer. The Dutchman was reportedly close to joining the Cityzens in a deal worth £80 million but the Reds pulled the plug.
Liverpool were reportedly open to letting Gakpo leave for the right price but failed to bring in a replacement. They wanted Ismaïla Sarr or Yankuba Minteh as his replacement but could not bring either.
Gakpo has opened up on the tough summer he went through, as he and his partner had to deal with a tragedy. He and his partner, Noa van der Bij, announced that their son had died during pregnancy. While discussing his summer, Gakpo said:
“I don’t know if you want to go there [in detail] because it doesn’t make any sense now to speak about this. But it was a difficult summer for me, and my family, and everything surrounding football and life. So, yes, I just let it happen, and it ended the way it ended."
He added:
“Yes, [it is the life of a footballer]. I cannot choose. I have to just try to do what I’m good at, and that’s playing football. I can be very worried about everything that could happen, or that didn’t happen, or whatever, but that wouldn’t help the situation, would it?"
Gakpo staying has worked really well for Liverpool as the Dutchman has been arguably their best attacker this campaign. He has scored two goals and provided four assists in six games across competitions this season.