Virgil van Dijk is once again at the center of transfer speculation, with reports linking the Liverpool captain with a possible move to AC Milan in 2027.
At the same time, Liverpool are reportedly beginning to plan for the future of their defense, with Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Micky van de Ven emerging as one of the names being considered as a potential long-term successor.
However, there is an important distinction between the two stories.
There is currently no confirmed agreement between Van Dijk and AC Milan, and Liverpool have not announced that they intend to replace their captain.
The speculation comes as Van Dijk approaches the final year of his current Liverpool contract.
Why Is Van Dijk Being Linked With AC Milan?
Reports from Italy have suggested that AC Milan could be interested in signing Van Dijk when his Liverpool contract expires.
According to Football Italia, Italian journalist Carlo Pellegatti believes Van Dijk could eventually move to Milan as a free agent in 2027.
The idea has also been reported by several English football outlets.
However, there is currently no indication that Van Dijk has agreed to join Milan.
The reports are based on transfer speculation surrounding his future rather than an official announcement from either club or the player.
That distinction is particularly important because Van Dijk remains a Liverpool player and continues to play a major role for the team.
Van Dijk’s Liverpool Contract Runs Until 2027
Van Dijk originally signed a new Liverpool contract in April 2025.
The agreement extended his stay at Anfield beyond the end of the 2024/25 season and was reported by the Premier League as running until the summer of 2027.
That means Liverpool still have the defender under contract for the current campaign.
However, his contract situation naturally creates questions about what happens next.
If no further extension is agreed, Van Dijk would be able to leave Liverpool when his current deal expires.
That possibility is what has fueled speculation about clubs such as AC Milan.
Why Would AC Milan Be Interested?
Van Dijk would offer something that is difficult to find in the transfer market: extensive experience at the highest level of European football.
The Dutch defender has won the Premier League and Champions League with Liverpool and has spent many years competing in major domestic and European competitions.
He has also served as Liverpool captain and remains the captain of the Netherlands national team.
AC Milan could therefore see an experienced centre-back as a way of adding leadership and defensive experience to their squad.
But whether the Italian club will actually make an approach remains uncertain.
For now, Milan’s reported interest should be viewed as part of the wider transfer speculation surrounding Van Dijk’s contract situation.
Liverpool Are Already Looking at the Future
While the Milan reports concern Van Dijk’s possible destination, another story has emerged from England involving Liverpool’s plans for the future.
Goal reported that Liverpool have identified Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven as a potential long-term successor to Van Dijk.
The 25-year-old Dutch international has reportedly been admired by Liverpool for some time.
His profile is particularly interesting because he is left-footed, extremely quick for a centre-back and already has considerable Premier League experience.
Those characteristics could make him an attractive option if Liverpool eventually need to replace their captain.
Who Is Micky van de Ven?
Van de Ven joined Tottenham from Wolfsburg in 2023 and quickly established himself as an important member of the club’s defense.
His speed has become one of his most recognizable qualities.
The Dutch centre-back is capable of covering large spaces behind a defensive line, making his pace particularly valuable in a Premier League environment.
He has also developed into a senior figure at Tottenham.
Recent reports indicate that Liverpool and Manchester United are monitoring his situation, although Tottenham strengthened their position by extending his contract in 2026.
That means a potential transfer would not necessarily be straightforward.
Liverpool Would Face a Difficult Negotiation
If Liverpool eventually decide to pursue Van de Ven, Tottenham would have little reason to make the deal easy.
The defender is under a long-term contract and remains an important part of Tottenham’s squad.
Recent reports have suggested that Liverpool could be prepared to make a significant investment in the position, with some outlets putting a potential transfer fee as high as £90 million.
However, those figures should be treated as reported valuations rather than confirmed asking prices.
There is currently no official indication that Liverpool have submitted such an offer.
Van Dijk Is Still Playing a Major Role
Despite all the speculation surrounding his future, Van Dijk remains an important part of Liverpool’s team.
The defender played every minute of Liverpool’s 2025/26 Premier League campaign, according to the club’s official profile.
He has also continued to feature regularly for the Netherlands.
Reuters reported in September that new Netherlands manager Xavi Hernández retained Van Dijk as captain for the national team’s upcoming Nations League matches.
That suggests the veteran defender remains firmly involved at both club and international level.
Could Van Dijk Actually Leave Liverpool in 2027?
It is possible, but nothing has been decided publicly.
The most important factor is his contract.
If Liverpool and Van Dijk do not agree to another extension, the defender could become a free agent when his current deal expires.
That would potentially make him an attractive option for clubs looking for an experienced centre-back without having to pay a transfer fee.
AC Milan have reportedly been monitoring the situation, but other clubs could also become interested if Van Dijk’s departure becomes increasingly likely.
For now, however, Liverpool have not confirmed that he will leave.
Could Micky van de Ven Replace Him?
Van de Ven is one of several defenders who could potentially fit Liverpool’s long-term plans.
His age, pace, left-footed profile and Premier League experience make him an obvious candidate in reports about Van Dijk’s potential successor.
However, Liverpool have not officially announced that Van de Ven is their chosen replacement.
The club also has other defensive options and could identify different targets before the 2027 transfer window.
A lot will depend on Van Dijk’s own future.
If he signs another contract with Liverpool, the need for an immediate replacement would obviously become less urgent.
What Happens Next?
For now, the situation is one to watch rather than a transfer that is close to completion.
Van Dijk remains under contract with Liverpool, while AC Milan’s reported interest has not resulted in a confirmed agreement.
Liverpool, meanwhile, appear to be thinking about the longer-term future of their defense, with Micky van de Ven among the names reportedly being monitored.
The coming months could provide more clarity.
If Van Dijk enters 2027 without a new contract, speculation about his future is likely to increase.
The Bottom Line
Virgil van Dijk has been linked with a possible move to AC Milan when his Liverpool contract expires, but there is currently no confirmed agreement between the Dutch defender and the Italian club.
Liverpool are also reportedly considering Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven as a potential long-term successor, although there has been no confirmed bid for the defender.
For now, Van Dijk remains Liverpool’s captain and an important part of the squad.
The real question will be whether the 35-year-old defender extends his stay at Anfield beyond 2027 — or eventually begins a new chapter elsewhere in European football.
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