Milan is seeking to significantly strengthen its defense, with a wide list of targets including experienced players and young talents. From Virgil van Dijk, 35, to Gonçalo Inacio, 25, and the two 21-year-olds Massiré Sylla and Ismaelo Ganiou, the red-and-black club is evaluating different profiles to raise the level of its defensive department. All these players are central defenders with technical skills suited to the required standards, and the moves are expected to take place between the winter transfer market and the summer 2027 market. The need to strengthen Maignan’s defense is an objective priority for the club.
For the summer transfer market, the name that has returned to the spotlight is that of Virgil van Dijk. The times when Milan avoided players over 30, focusing only on those who generated capital gains, are over. The red-and-black ownership, especially in the last two years, has understood the importance of including experienced “senators”, such as Modric and Rabiot, to lead the young talents. Van Dijk, a long-standing Cardinale target, is expected to be available as a free agent in June, as his contract with Liverpool expires and does not appear set to be renewed. Negotiations could begin as early as January, although the high salary and agent commissions could be obstacles.
Meanwhile, January will also serve to bring an immediate reinforcement to Milanello. At the top of the list remains Gonçalo Inacio of Sporting, a name long approved by coach Amorim. To sign him, Milan must negotiate with the Portuguese club, which is asking for around €45 million and will need to find a replacement for their starter. Two other new profiles, both 21 years old, are Massiré Sylla of Union Saint-Gilloise and Ismaelo Ganiou of Lens. Sylla, a Senegalese defender 196 cm tall, is valued at around €10 million. Ganiou, French, is considered more complete and further advanced in his development, with Lens previously asking for €40 million, but a base of €35 million could open negotiations.
From La Gazzetta dello Sport