Milan Transfer Market: Cardinale Dreams of a Big Signing from the Premier League; Player Could Join on a Free Transfer

The Milan transfer market could hold a surprise in store for next summer. A statement emerged from the Dutch national team’s training camp that did not go unnoticed: “If it’s extended, so much the better. Otherwise, I’ll go elsewhere.” The statement came from Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool’s captain, whose contract with the Reds expires on June 30, 2027. The defender explained that he isn’t worried about his future, but left open the possibility of a new adventure away from Anfield.

This is a situation that Milan could be watching very closely in the coming months. Gerry Cardinale is a big fan of the Dutch center back and had already considered bringing him to the Rossoneri last summer. Zlatan Ibrahimovic also appreciates the player’s profile and is said to have expressed interest in a potential move to Milan.

If his contract isn’t renewed, the 1991-born player could become one of the biggest targets of the upcoming summer transfer window, with the possibility of signing him on a free transfer. The deal, however, would not be straightforward: in addition to the defender’s financial demands, the club would have to contend with competition from several Turkish clubs—including Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Trabzonspor—as well as clubs from Saudi Arabia.

For Milan, this is currently just a possibility, but the Liverpool captain’s comments could reignite a scenario the club’s ownership had already considered. Qualification for the next Champions League and the ambitions of the Rossoneri project could prove to be key factors in trying to convince the defender.