Juventus dispatches emissary as Euro giant eyes Van Dijk's future

Juventus have sent a close aide of manager Luciano Spalletti to monitor Liverpool centre‑back Virgil van Dijk during his Netherlands duties, signalling the Serie A club’s serious intent to sign the 35‑year‑old defender before he becomes a free agent at season’s end.

Van Dijk is entering his tenth season as a Red and, having signed a two‑year contract with Liverpool a year and a half ago, will be free to leave when his deal expires at the close of this campaign.

His departure would follow the summer exits of long‑term teammates Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, while goalkeeper Alisson is also expected to move on, leaving a clear void in the Liverpool spine.

Juventus’ strategic motives

The Italian giants, described as a Euro powerhouse, have two clear objectives: securing Van Dijk and scouting Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey. Their emissary’s mission is to assess Van Dijk’s fitness, as the Bianconeri could replace Gleison Bremer should he depart for the Premier League.

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Competing suitors and rumours

AC Milan and Real Madrid have also been linked with the Dutch defender. Milan’s owner Gerry Cardinale is said to prefer paying now rather than waiting for a free transfer next year, according to journalist Carlo Pellegatti. Real Madrid may follow Liverpool’s free signing of Ibrahima Konaté, reuniting the former centre‑back partnership.

Pellegatti told reporters, “Every now and then, people make fun of me for saying Van Dijk would join, but they did the same before Zlatan Ibrahimovic arrived. Gerry Cardinale made clear: ‘Either we get him now by paying or next year for free.’ I said Van Dijk will arrive at Milan sooner or later.”

If Juventus succeed, Van Dijk could end his decade at Anfield and provide the Bianconeri with a world‑class centre‑half, while Liverpool would need to replace a stalwart defender as they rebuild after the loss of several key figures.