AC Milan chase Dutch defender Van Dijk as leadership solution

At the San Siro, AC Milan’s board is eyeing Liverpool’s 34‑year‑old Dutch centre‑back Virgil van Dijk as the perfect leader to bolster their defence, with owner RedBird and club legend Zlatan Ibrahimović reportedly charmed by the prospect in the ongoing talks.

Van Dijk, who has one year left on his Liverpool contract, is currently the club’s highest‑paid player with a net annual salary of €7.5 million after Mohamed Salah’s departure. His contract situation makes a potential move a subject of internal discussions at AC Milan.

RedBird, the ownership group of AC Milan, is assessing whether the Italian giants can meet the defender’s salary demands. The feasibility of the transfer is said to hinge more on Van Dijk’s willingness to leave than on a transfer fee.

Liverpool, having lost Ibrahima Konaté on a free transfer to Real Madrid this summer, is reluctant to part with another defensive stalwart. The English club’s recent defensive departures have heightened the strategic importance of retaining Van Dijk.

AC Milan believe Van Dijk would provide the leadership the Rossoneri have been seeking for a long time. The club’s pursuit reflects a broader ambition to strengthen the backline with experienced international talent.

As a backup plan, Sporting Portugal defender Goncalo Inacio has also been mentioned as a possible alternative. Inacio’s profile offers a different option should negotiations with Van Dijk stall. Both clubs remain in early talks, with no timetable set for any agreement.