AC Milan have identified Liverpool‘s Virgil van Dijk as the main target to improve their defence in 2027. 

The Netherlands international has been a key figure in the Reds’ defence since joining them from Southampton in January 2018. He made 387 appearances for the Premier League side, even managing 36 goals and 16 assists.

This season, the 35-year-old made 12 starts from 13 appearances. He came off the bench in Liverpool’s 6-3 crushing victory over LASK in the Champions League in October.

Future likely away from Liverpool

The Serie A side have shown interest in the centre-back and are lining up to sign him next year. On October 3rd, Italian journalist Carlo Pellegatti was optimistic about Virgil van Dijk ending up at the San Siro.

He said: “Van Dijk would be a tremendous signing, both practically, given that we need a player of that profile in defence, and in terms of media impact, as it would signal that a top player is choosing Milan.”

The Liverpool player will turn 36 years of age next July, days before his current deal at Liverpool expires. As things stand, he will leave Anfield as a free agent after this season.

Milan are ready to take advantage of his contract situation to secure his services for free next summer and MilanNews24.com covers the latest. The outlet makes it clear it’s their own information.

Key conditions to sign Liverpool star 

The Rossoneri’s owner, Gerry Cardinale, is leading their pursuit of Virgil van Dijk. He sees the Liverpool captain as the ‘key signing’ to further strengthen Ruben Amorim’s defence.

Cardinale has the ‘big dream’ of bringing him to the San Siro by taking advantage of Van Dijk’s contract situation with Andoni Iraola’s side. The operation isn’t straightforward, but the Italian club’s owner wants to make a concrete attempt to sign the Dutchman.

The Champions League and the salary are the two key conditions to secure his services.

Milan have to present an ambitious sporting project, and qualifying for Europe’s elite club competition is key. They are fifth in the table, trailing second placed Inter Milan by four points and seven behind leaders Lazio.

The second factor is the salary, and Amorim’s side are ready to offer a two-year contract worth €8-10m per year, likely after tax.

There’s unlikely to be concrete development unless the San Siro club qualify for the Champions League. Meanwhile, other potential suitors could make advances to tempt Van Dijk.