“Either we get him now by paying or next year for free.”

That is the line Italian broadcaster Carlo Pellegatti says Milan owner Gerry Cardinale gave him about Van Dijk. Pellegatti repeated the claim on his YouTube channel this week, presenting Cardinale’s words as a paraphrase rather than an on-record quote from the RedBird boss himself.

Pellegatti has pushed this story for months and knows it draws mockery. He told viewers he does not care.

“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.”

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“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.”

Contract runs out in June 2027

The 35-year-old’s Liverpool deal expires in the summer of 2027, which is where the “pay now or wait” framing bites. Milan would either negotiate a fee this season or hold on and take him as a free agent once his contract lapses. No new deal at Anfield has been signed.

Liverpool tracking a Spurs replacement

Behind the scenes, Liverpool are said to be looking at Micky van de Ven as a potential long-term successor, with the report citing Football Insider and putting the price at £80m to £90m.

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Van de Ven has been on Liverpool’s list for a while.

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“Van de Ven is somebody who has been on Liverpool’s radar for a long time. He’s certainly somebody who would fit the bill when they’re looking to replace Van Dijk.”

Tottenham hold the leverage

The 25-year-old is Tottenham’s captain and signed a five-year contract in August 2026, which hands Spurs the whip hand in any negotiation. Manchester United have also been linked, though Liverpool are described as the stronger pursuer.

Van de Ven made 45 appearances in all competitions last season, 34 of them in the Premier League.

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