Milan dreaming of Van Dijk but Inacio more likely
Quick summary
AC Milan are exploring defensive reinforcements with Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk as a dream target, while Sporting CP's Gonçalo Inacio is seen as a more realistic option.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceMilan have recently confirmed their club-record signing of Goncalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain and now the Rossoneri recruitment drive turns to the defence, and whilst multiple outlets claim that a deal for Goncalo Inacio could be on the horizon, La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that the ‘dream’ option is Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.
Cardinale evaluating ambitious van Dijk move, Inacio more likely for Milan Milan have officially confirmed their signing of centre-forward Ramos, who comes in at a cost of almost €70m according to the latest reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport . The striker is currently away at the 2026 World Cup with the Portugal national team and is expected to arrive in Milan in late July or early August.
Now the focus is on the signing of a new centre-back and La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s dream option is Liverpool’s van Dijk. This had originally seemed like a far-fetched proposal, but Wednesday’s reports claim that the conversation has reached Milan owner Gerry Cardinale and that the club’s RedBird ownership is now ‘evaluating’ a potential move.
Van Dijk is into the final year of his contract with Liverpool, but the Premier League side are hardly likely to want to part company with their captain, even if he does turn 35 next week, and especially once the departure of Ibrahima Konate is taken into consideration.
Meanwhile, reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport and various other outlets in Italy claim that a potential deal for Goncalo Inacio is more likely, even if he is expected to cost somewhere in the region of €30m-€40m.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 15: Goncalo Inacio of Sporting Clube de Portugal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between Arsenal FC and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Arsenal Stadium on April 15, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) He is a player well known to Rossoneri head coach from their time together at Sporting CP, where Inacio has been on the books since 2012. The 25-year-old is also part of the Portugal national team at the World Cup.
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What happened
AC Milan are in the market for a new centre-back and have identified two main candidates. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is reportedly a dream signing, but the high cost and complexity of the deal make it unlikely. Instead, Milan are looking more closely at Sporting CP's Gonçalo Inacio, who represents a more feasible option both financially and in terms of negotiation. The report suggests Milan are weighing up their options as they seek to strengthen their back line.
Chance analysis
Milan's defensive recruitment signals intent to reinforce a back line that has shown vulnerability. Van Dijk would be a transformative, marquee signing but is realistically out of reach given his age, contract, and Liverpool's position. Inacio, a younger and more attainable Portuguese international, fits Milan's typical recruitment profile of acquiring high-upside talent from the Portuguese league. The likely outcome is a pursuit of Inacio, which would still meaningfully upgrade Milan's defensive options.
Milan's defensive depth could improve significantly if they land Inacio; a Van Dijk move is unlikely and would be a transformative upgrade.
If Milan sign a centre-back, expect defensive solidity improvement; track Inacio links as the more probable outcome over Van Dijk.