AC Milan president Gerry Cardinale made clear: “Either we get him now by paying or next year for free,” according to Italian journalist Carlo Pellegatti. The veteran centre-back, whose contract with the English club runs through the end of the season, drew serious interest from the Serie A side as they weighed defensive reinforcements.
Pellegatti: Van Dijk ‘Will Come to Milan Sooner or Later’
Despite staying put on Merseyside following a difficult campaign, Van Dijk remains firmly on the radar in Italy. Pellegatti revealed details of the pursuit on his YouTube channel, pushing back against skeptics who doubted the club’s ambitions.
“Every now and then, people make fun of me for saying Van Dijk would join, but then they had done the same the January before Zlatan Ibrahimovic arrived,” Pellegatti declared. “I continue to say that Gerry Cardinale made clear: ‘Either we get him now by paying or next year for free.’ I said that Van Dijk will arrive at Milan sooner or later.”
Reports previously indicated that the 35-year-old defender would favor a move to San Siro and had already agreed personal terms with the Rossoneri.
Liverpool Career and Trophy Record
Van Dijk established himself as a club icon after Liverpool paid €85m to sign him from Southampton in January 2018. Over 380 competitive appearances for the Reds, the defender scored 36 goals and contributed 16 goals from the backline.
His tenure at Anfield yielded a comprehensive collection of team honors, including two Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League trophy, the European Super Cup, the Club World Cup, the FA Cup, and two EFL Cups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Virgil van Dijk leaving Liverpool?
Van Dijk opted to remain at Liverpool for the current season despite strong interest from AC Milan and an expiring contract.
Did AC Milan agree terms with Van Dijk?
Reports indicated the defender favored a move to San Siro and had agreed personal terms with the Italian club, though no transfer materialized.
What did Carlo Pellegatti say about the transfer?
Journalist Carlo Pellegatti stated on his YouTube channel that AC Milan president Gerry Cardinale signaled an intent to secure the defender either via a paid transfer or as a free agent later.
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