Liverpool insist Van Dijk will see out his contract despite AC Milan and Fenerbahce interest

Liverpool will not sell Virgil van Dijk this summer despite reported interest from AC Milan and Fenerbahce, with Fenway Sports Group determined to keep their captain until his contract expires.

Van Dijk, who turns 35 on Wednesday, is in the final year of the two-year extension he signed at Anfield in the summer of 2024 — the same window in which Jurgen Klopp departed the club. Although an extension looks unlikely, Liverpool’s ownership has a well-established policy of allowing players over 30 to run down their deals rather than sell them early. Andy Robertson followed that path this summer, and Mohamed Salah was allowed to leave only once his contract had fully elapsed.

The Dutch captain broke a period of social media silence on Monday after the Netherlands were eliminated from the World Cup by Morocco in a penalty shootout. Writing on Instagram, Van Dijk addressed supporters directly: “As captain, all I ever wanted was to make this country proud. To see our World Cup end so early is heartbreaking because I know how much this team gave every single day.”

He added: “A lot has been said and that is for another day. Now is about accepting that we failed, and we take full responsibility for that. I’d like to thank our travelling fans and everyone back home who believed in us and stood by us until the end. We saw you, and we felt your support every step of the way.”

Van Dijk is due to join Arne Slot’s squad in late July when Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the United States is already underway. His early return — a consequence of the Netherlands’ swift World Cup exit — means he will have additional preparation time ahead of the new Premier League season.

Liverpool may also find that the disappointment of the tournament serves as a motivating force. Compatriots Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo return alongside Van Dijk, all three carrying the sting of an early elimination and points to prove when domestic football resumes.