Virgil van Dijk tipped for huge AC Milan move as Liverpool contract runs down

Virgil van Dijk’s uncertain Liverpool future continues to attract attention across Europe, with AC Milan being urged to make a move for the Dutch defender.

Van Dijk is out of contract next summer and, at 35, could potentially become one of the biggest names available on a free transfer.

Reports have already linked Real Madrid and Milan with the Liverpool captain, and Italian journalist Carlo Pellegatti believes the Rossoneri should seriously explore the opportunity.

Pellegatti believes signing Van Dijk would provide Milan with exactly the type of leader they need in defence while also making a major statement away from the pitch.

“Van Dijk would be a tremendous signing,” Pellegatti said on his YouTube channel.

He believes the deal would have both sporting and commercial significance, describing the Liverpool defender as the profile Milan currently lack.

There would, however, be one major requirement.

Pellegatti argues Milan must qualify for the Champions League if they want a realistic chance of convincing Van Dijk to choose them ahead of other interested clubs such as Real Madrid.

“If I were Van Dijk and were being courted by Real Madrid as well, I might prefer Milan out of personal attachment,” he explained.

“But it has to be a club playing in the Champions League.”

Van Dijk would be 36 next summer, but Pellegatti does not see that as a reason for Milan to stay away.

He pointed towards Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Olivier Giroud as examples of experienced players who continued making major contributions late in their careers at San Siro.

“Age doesn’t count – only ability matters, and Van Dijk is an exceptional player,” he said.

Pellegatti believes Milan should start laying the groundwork as early as January or February if it becomes clear that Liverpool will not offer Van Dijk a new contract.

That could become particularly important if Real Madrid or other major European clubs turn their reported interest into something more concrete.

The biggest factor remains Liverpool.

If Van Dijk and the Reds agree a new contract, speculation surrounding a free transfer disappears. If they do not, his situation could quickly become one of the biggest stories heading into next summer.

Milan would potentially offer Van Dijk the opportunity to follow other experienced stars who have extended their careers successfully at San Siro.

But Champions League football could be decisive, particularly if clubs such as Real Madrid are genuinely interested.

For Milan, the attraction is obvious: an elite, vastly experienced centre-back potentially available without a transfer fee.

The question is whether Van Dijk actually becomes available.