Milan’s Van Dijk Dream Dashed: Club Shifts Focus to Lazio’s Gila

FolioPitch.com – 07 July 2026 | Milan dream of Liverpool star Van Dijk but move not feasible as club eye Lazio‘s Gila. That is the reality according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who has poured cold water on speculation linking the Dutch defender with a move to San Siro.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano stated that Virgil van Dijk remains a crucial part of Liverpool’s plans under new head coach Andoni Iraola. The Liverpool captain has already held talks with Iraola, and the club has no intention of selling their leader, especially after the high-profile departures of Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson earlier in the window.

Milan dream of Liverpool star Van Dijk but move not feasible as club eye Lazio’s Gila, and that assessment aligns with the Rossoneri’s strategic shift. With Van Dijk now considered an unattainable target, Milan are focusing their efforts on more realistic options, particularly Lazio’s young defender Mario Gila. The 24-year-old Spanish centre-back has impressed in Serie A and is seen as a long-term investment for Milan’s backline.

The news will be a disappointment for Milan fans who hoped the club could pull off a marquee signing. However, with Liverpool standing firm, the dream of seeing Van Dijk in red and black remains just that—a dream. Instead, the club’s sporting directors are working tirelessly to secure Gila, with talks expected to intensify in the coming days.

Milan dream of Liverpool star Van Dijk but move not feasible as club eye Lazio’s Gila, and this pragmatic approach reflects the reality of the transfer market. Van Dijk, 34, still has years of top-level football ahead, but his price tag and Liverpool’s reluctance make a deal impossible. Meanwhile, Gila, who has a contract with Lazio until 2027, could be available for a fee in the region of €30-40 million.

For Liverpool, keeping Van Dijk is a priority. The defender is not only a world-class talent but also the dressing room leader. Iraola is planning a rebuild around experienced heads like Van Dijk, and letting him go would be counterproductive. The Reds have already lost significant experience in Salah and Robertson, and they cannot afford to lose their captain.

Milan dream of Liverpool star Van Dijk but move not feasible as club eye Lazio’s Gila, and this narrative has been consistent across multiple reports. While the Rossoneri admire Van Dijk’s qualities, they have accepted that a deal is unrealistic. Instead, they are focusing on younger, attainable targets to strengthen their defense ahead of the new season.

In conclusion, Milan’s pursuit of Van Dijk appears to be a non-starter. The club’s attention must now turn to Lazio’s Mario Gila, who represents a promising alternative. While fans may dream of a world-class signing, the transfer market demands pragmatism, and Milan are adapting accordingly.