Reports from Milan News claim that Van Dijk recently discussed his future at the Dutch national team training camp, reigniting transfer speculation for the Milan club. Gerry Cardinale has always admired Van Dijk and tried to bring him to Milan this summer when he had only one year left on his contract, but new Reds coach Andoni Iraola quickly prevented the Reds captain from leaving. There has been no new progress on Van Dijk's contract renewal in recent months, so starting from January, the Dutch defender will be free to contact any club.
Van Dijk hints at leaving Liverpool
Milan News points out that it was the defender's statements that once again fueled the association between Van Dijk and Milan: "If I renew, that would be even better. Otherwise, I will go somewhere else. There's nothing to say now, but that doesn't mean I'm anxious... My mental state is good. I had a small physical issue in the past two weeks, but I'm doing everything I can to be able to play on the field." These words make it possible for him to leave as a free agent after this season. Gerry Cardinale is watching, and if he really bids farewell to Liverpool, Milan will certainly try to sign him.
Van Dijk and his childhood loves: Milan, Maldini and Nesta
Van Dijk will turn 36 next July, and he knows very well that he will no longer receive his current salary at the Reds. If he leaves on a free transfer, there will be a long line of suitors, but who knows if the Dutch defender will prioritize one of his favorite childhood teams. In June 2024, the player himself revealed his youthful preference in an interview with Sky Sports: "I liked both Nesta and Maldini. That Milan team was different. When you talk about Nesta, you talk about elegance; he always made everything look so easy. Watching Alessandro (Nesta) play was like watching Roger Federer play tennis. Players like him showed us defenders the way forward, and I have great respect for him and for all the other defenders in that Milan team that won in Europe. I learned a lot from each of them. Everyone has their own opinion, but for me, Nesta is the greatest defender in Italian history. Which team did I support as a child? I supported Barcelona, but I would watch Milan's Champions League matches, and also Real Madrid and Liverpool's matches. Playing for the Reds was a dream come true for me." At present, it must be said that this is still just transfer speculation and there is no concrete content, but it is clear that his statements about the future have once again ignited the dreams of the Milan club.