Four players Liverpool can sign to replace Virgil van Dijk, including a £50m star, as AC Milan get ready with a big offer
Liverpool are already thinking about the day Virgil van Dijk might leave Anfield, and AC Milan have become serious contenders to sign the Dutch defender.
Van Dijk has spent an amazing nine years with the Reds, becoming one of the best defenders in the world and helping Liverpool win big trophies like the Champions League, two Premier League titles, two Carabao Cups, and an FA Cup.
Now 35, Van Dijk has been a true club legend. But his contract runs until June 2027, so there’s a chance he could leave on a free transfer next summer. According to MilanNews24, AC Milan have made Van Dijk their main target to strengthen their defense. Milan’s owner, Gerry Cardinale, is leading the chase and the club, managed by former Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim, are ready to offer him a two-year deal worth €8-10 million a year.
With a tempting offer on the table, SPORTbible has looked at four players who could step up to replace him.
It won’t be easy to find someone who matches Van Dijk’s impact, but Brighton’s Luka Vuskovic might be a good fit. The 19-year-old Croatian defender just joined Brighton from Tottenham for £50 million this summer and is already making a name for himself with his strong aerial ability, calm on the ball, and solid physical presence. Liverpool are said to be very interested in him, and he’d make a great defensive partner with Jeremy Jacquet at Brighton. Although Brighton don’t feel any rush to sell, signing a talent like Vuskovic could be a perfect way to follow in Van Dijk’s footsteps.
Another promising choice is Tarik Muharemovic, who’s in his first Premier League season with Leeds after moving from Sassuolo for £34.1 million. The 6’4” Bosnian defender has been vital for Leeds, showing great strength, aerial skills, and good passing. Liverpool will need a physically strong defender who’s also good on the ball, and Muharemovic fits that description well. TEAMtalk reported that Liverpool are keeping a close eye on him for a potential summer move.
Liverpool might also think about bringing back Jarell Quansah, who they sold to Bayer Leverkusen for £35 million in July 2025. Many felt Liverpool sold him too soon, and the club still have a buy-back clause worth €70 million (£59.3m) valid until June 2027. Quansah has developed into one of Europe’s top young ball-playing defenders, with 56 appearances and six goals for Leverkusen so far. He knows Liverpool well, is highly rated by Van Dijk, and can also play right-back, so a return next summer or later is possible.
Finally, Nico Schlotterbeck from Borussia Dortmund is another strong candidate. He’s a left-footed, aggressive defender who’s great in the air and comfortable playing out from the back. Schlotterbeck, 27, is seen as a top target, and his contract runs until 2031. He would fit well on the left side of Liverpool’s defense and is considered one of the best center-backs around.
All in all, Liverpool have some exciting options as they plan for the next chapter after Van Dijk.