Virgil van Dijk admitted an exit from Liverpool is possible as his contract enters its final months, with AC Milan and three Turkish clubs monitoring his situation.
The 35-year-old defender is in his tenth season at Anfield, with his current deal set to expire on June 30, 2027. From January onward, the Dutch captain gains the right to negotiate and sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs.
Speaking while on international duty with the Netherlands for UEFA Nations League fixtures, Van Dijk addressed his uncertain future.
“Olursa harika olur, olmazsa başka bir yere giderim”
Van Dijk’s statement, signaling for the first time that he is genuinely close to parting ways with the club.
AC Milan and Süper Lig Giants Enter Race
Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale has already initiated contacts to land the veteran center-back on a free transfer. Milan views the expiring contract as a major market opportunity.
However, the Rossoneri face heavy competition from Turkish football. Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Trabzonspor have all entered the race for the defender. Speculation suggests Mohamed Salah, Van Dijk’s former Liverpool teammate, could play a role in convincing him to move to the Süper Lig.
Sözcü Gazetesi said that while Milan is interested, financial constraints and a preference for younger players mean the Italian club’s pursuit remains a secondary priority described locally as a summer night’s dream.
Sources reported that Saudi Arabian clubs have also registered interest in securing the defender’s signature.
Evaluating the Final Contract of a Career
Turning 36 on July 8, Van Dijk acknowledges that his next professional contract will likely be the final major deal of his career. Financial terms will dictate the outcome of negotiations.
Milan’s pursuit faces economic hurdles because the defender’s wage demands could stretch club parameters, according to Sözcü Gazetesi. The player previously expressed deep admiration for Milan’s historical defensive legends, telling reporters about his fondness for Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta.
“Hem Nesta’yı hem de Maldini’yi çok severdim. O dönemki Milan bambaşka bir takımdı. Nesta’dan bahsettiğinizde zarafetten bahsediyorsunuz. Her şeyi o kadar kolay gösteriyordu ki… Alessandro’yu izlemek, teniste Roger Federer’in maçını izlemek gibiydi.”
Van Dijk’s statement.
Liverpool Prepares for Life After the Captain
Behind the scenes at Anfield, club officials are already planning for a transition regardless of whether Van Dijk extends his stay, citing Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg.
Brighton & Hove Albion defender Luka Vušković has emerged as Liverpool’s primary target to eventually succeed the Dutchman. Brighton acquired the Croatian center-back from Tottenham Hotspur for 54 million euros, tying him to a contract until mid-2031.
Plettenberg reported that Brighton has slapped a massive price tag on the young defender due to his lengthy contract.
Van Dijk Achieved Major Honors at Liverpool
Since arriving on Merseyside, Van Dijk has made 349 official appearances for Liverpool, scoring 31 goals and providing 9 assists. His leadership anchored an era of domestic and continental dominance.
During his tenure, the club won the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA SÜPER Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup, two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, two EFL Cups, and the FA Community Shield. Individually, he won the Premier League Player of the Season award for the 2018–19 campaign and was named UEFA Men’s Player of the Year in 2019.
Questions About Van Dijk and Vušković
When can Virgil van Dijk legally sign with a new club?
Van Dijk can officially negotiate and sign a pre-contract agreement with any club outside England starting in January, as his Liverpool deal runs until June 30, 2027.
How much does Brighton want for Luka Vušković?
Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg said that Brighton & Hove Albion values Vušković at a massive figure.
Which Turkish clubs are tracking the defender?
Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Trabzonspor have all registered interest in securing the Dutch international.
Related reading
