“That’s their position” – Fabrizio Romano confirms Liverpool’s stance on defender’s future

“That’s their position” – Fabrizio Romano confirms Liverpool’s stance on defender’s future Virgil van Dijk to AC Milan? Liverpool Have Made Their Position Clear Rumours travel fast in the summer, especially when they involve elite players, big clubs and a contract running down. Virgil van Dijk ticks every box. So when reports in Italy suggested AC Milan were exploring a move for Liverpool’s captain, it was always going to get attention. Now, according to Fabrizio Romano on his YouTube channel, Liverpool supporters can calm down. The message is simple, Van Dijk is staying, and internally there is no appetite to change that. Photo: IMAGO Virgil van Dijk remains central to Liverpool plans Romano addressed the speculation directly and said: “I understand that Van Dijk might be a dream for AC Milan fans, given that we’re talking about one of the best defenders in the world and an extraordinary player, but it seems to me that the Dutchman won’t go anywhere because he’s absolutely part of Liverpool’s project and has already spoken to new manager Andoni Iraola. “Van Dijk will be crucial for the Reds this season. Imagine losing leaders like Salah, Robertson and Van Dijk in just one summer. The Dutchman is also the captain, and Liverpool have never considered the idea of giving him up as well. The Reds have made it clear that he won’t go anywhere, that’s their position as of now.” That is the key point. Not hope, not spin, not vague reassurance. Liverpool’s stance is that Van Dijk remains a core part of the squad under Iraola. Given the level of change at Anfield over the past 12 months, that matters. AC Milan interest was always a long shot Milan can admire Van Dijk all they want. Plenty of clubs would. That does not mean a deal is realistic. He is heading into the final year of his contract, he turns 35 this week, and in ordinary circumstances that combination can create an opening. Liverpool’s situation is different. The club have already said goodbye to Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson. Removing the captain as well would have been reckless. There is a football cost to losing that much authority, organisation and experience in one go. You cannot replace all of it in a single transfer window, no matter how well you recruit. This is why the Van Dijk story never fully rang true. Liverpool may eventually lose him for nothing in 2027 if no fresh agreement is reached, but that is often the price of keeping a top-level player through an important season. Clubs accept that when the short-term value on the pitch outweighs the transfer fee available now. Liverpool succession planning is already under way None of this means Liverpool are blind to reality. Van Dijk will not play forever, and the club know it. Their recent work in the market reflects that, with younger centre-backs brought in and more long-term planning taking place behind the scenes. That is how competent clubs operate. You prepare for the future without tearing up the present. Liverpool still need Van Dijk, especially after the drop-off that ended Arne Slot’s reign and the reset now beginning under Iraola. Leadership, standards and calm in big moments are not extras, they are essentials. For now, the position looks clear. AC Milan can look elsewhere. Van Dijk stays at Anfield, and Liverpool keep hold of the one defender they simply could not afford to lose this summer. Our View There comes a point where turnover stops being healthy and starts becoming dangerous. We have already seen huge names move on, and losing Van Dijk in the same summer would have felt like ripping the spine out of the squad. His age is relevant, of course it is, but so is his level. He still organises the back line, still sets standards, still looks like the one player everyone else takes cues from when the game gets tense. That has real value, especially with a new head coach settling in and the squad needing stability after a messy 2025-26 campaign. There is also an emotional side to it. Van Dijk has earned the right to leave on Liverpool’s terms, not because another club sees an opportunity. If this is his final season, then let it be one more proper campaign at Anfield, one more year leading the side, and one more chance for supporters to give him the farewell he deserves. Keeping him is the sensible call, the football call and, frankly, the only call. Replace him eventually, yes. Push him out now, absolutely not.