Italian journalist Carlo Pellegatti insists Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk will join AC Milan, dismissing doubters who question his claim. The defender will enter the final six months of his contract in January, with his current deal set to expire in the summer.
Contract uncertainty at Anfield
Van Dijk has been a formidable presence at Anfield, establishing himself as one of the world's greats, but faces an uncertain future on Merseyside. Changes are underway at Liverpool, with Julian Ward named as the new sporting director on Friday, following Richard Hughes' departure to Saudi Arabia.
The club has also received an influx of investment after the Amit Bhatia-led 1892 holdings consortium bought a minority shareholding in the 20-time English champions. Van Dijk is among the players who will be out of contract in the summer, having signed a two-year deal with the club in April 2025.
Journalist's claim
Pellegatti told his YouTube channel: "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."
"I continue to say that Gerry Cardinale (AC Milan owner) 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. We'll see if Cardinale changes his mind or not, but I can assure you it was not just a name I pulled out of thin air."
International future
The Dutchman is in a critical part of his career and will be 36 at the end of the season. He remains a crucial player for Liverpool despite being towards the twilight of his career.
Van Dijk faced the prospect of retiring from international football following Ronald Koeman's departure from the national team set-up, with Barcelona icon Xavi subsequently taking the hot-seat. However, the 36-year-old joined up with his teammates after talks with the Spaniard, while he has formed a promising partnership with Liverpool defender Jeremy Jacquet so far this term.
He said: "Obviously it was a massive decision. I had to feel the confidence and the combination of respect and joy and everything I wanted. That was from the first second the case, so the conversation didn't need to be that long. But it was very good, so I am really looking forward to meeting up for the important four games. Let's make the next two years at least an amazing time."
