Milan abandon Van Dijk pursuit and target Lazio defender Gila
AC Milan have conceded defeat in their attempts to sign Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirming the move is simply not realistic. The Serie A giants are now pursuing Lazio centre-back Mario Gila as a more attainable option to strengthen their defence under new manager Ruben Amorim.
Romano revealed that Van Dijk remains central to Liverpool’s plans following the appointment of head coach Andoni Iraola. The Netherlands international has already held talks with the new manager regarding the club’s direction, effectively ending any prospect of a summer departure to San Siro.
Liverpool have never considered allowing their skipper to leave, a stance that has only hardened following the high-profile sales of Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson. These departures have stripped significant experience from the squad, making Van Dijk’s leadership and defensive stability even more vital to the Anfield hierarchy during this transitional period.
Amorim reshapes Milan backline
The collapse of Milan’s Van Dijk ambitions has forced the club to pursue alternative targets. Gila has emerged as the primary objective as Amorim, who arrived in the city on Monday, begins restructuring the team’s defence ahead of the new season.
While a player of Van Dijk’s calibre was always likely to remain an aspiration rather than a genuine possibility, Milan’s recruitment team have moved swiftly to identify viable alternatives. The pursuit of the Lazio defender represents a pragmatic shift in strategy, focusing on players actually available in the current transfer market.
With Van Dijk set to continue at Anfield following productive discussions with Iraola, Milan supporters can expect the club to intensify their efforts to secure Gila’s signature. The Rossoneri aim to complete their defensive reinforcements promptly as Amorim implements his tactical vision at the club.