Liverpool have begun preparations for the potential departure of club captain Virgil van Dijk, who is currently linked with a move to Serie A giants AC Milan in the summer of 2027. The veteran defender, a cornerstone of the Reds’ success since his £75 million arrival from Southampton in January 2018, remains a vital presence at Anfield. Throughout his tenure, he has accumulated 380 appearances and secured nine major trophies. Despite turning 35, he has maintained his high standards, playing every minute of Liverpool’s Premier League campaign this season alongside his new defensive partner, Jeremy Jacquet. According to as, By Football 365, the Reds skipper could be on his way to join the Rossoneri in the summer of 2027. The report also claims that the Merseyside giants have already identified van Dijk’s replacement in his compatriot Micky van de Ven. He has made 380 appearances for the Reds till date and helped the club win nine trophies. The Dutchman is regarded as one of the best defenders in the modern era and one of the best defenders in Premier League history. He is exceptionally well-rounded and is a complete defender, elegant on the ball. He remains a key player for the Reds and has played every minute in the Premier League this season, even at the age of 35. Liverpool star admits that he almost joined PL rivals in the summer.
Should the Dutchman depart when his contract expires next summer, the club has reportedly earmarked Tottenham Hotspur captain Micky van de Ven as his successor. A deal for the 25-year-old defender would likely require a fee reaching £90 million. Van de Ven, who joined Spurs from Wolfsburg in 2023, has established himself as a central figure in north London, making 101 appearances and recently signing a new contract with the club.
In other squad developments, forward Cody Gakpo has reflected on a challenging summer marked by personal tragedy and uncertainty regarding his future. Gakpo and his partner, Noa van der Bij, suffered the loss of their son during pregnancy, a period that coincided with intense transfer speculation. The Dutch winger was reportedly close to an £80 million move to Manchester City, but Liverpool blocked the transfer after failing to secure primary targets such as Ismaïla Sarr or Yankuba Minteh as replacements.
Despite the disruption, Gakpo has flourished under the current system and has emerged as one of the team’s most effective attackers. Across his six appearances in all competitions this season, he has recorded two goals and four assists, proving his continued value to the Anfield setup.
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