While everything around Milan is in doubt at the moment, the certainty is called Tijjani Reijnders. Even if Manchester City have come calling.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) report this morning, Reijnders is contracted until the summer of 2030 after his renewal earlier this season. In his second campaign at Milan he was called to Casa Milan to pen a fresh deal, with a pay rise from €1.7m to €3.5m net per year.
Interest arises
Reijnders has rejected possible even richer proposals. Real Madrid and Manchester City hold a concrete interest in signing the Dutchman, demonstrated by the presence of scouts at Milan’s matches.
City’s were insisted. After all, Reijnders scores as much as Jude Bellingham does at Real Madrid: 13 goals for both this season. The former AZ Alkmaar alone has the same goal quota as the entire City midfield vs. Manchester United: Bernardo Silva (3 goals), Kovacic (5) and Gundogan (2).
Moreover, no one is like him in terms of reliance from the coach either. He has 3,784 minutes amassed this season across all competitions, the most in the squad after Mike Maignan, which is natural given he is a goalkeeper.
Unsellable
The new Milan will be built around Reijnders. Next to him, a physical midfielder is needed, like Youssouf Fofana, but perhaps with more consistent performances. A Santiago Gimenez-like centre-forward who facilitates his runs with movements or passes can be beneficial.
With Christian Pulisic (the second other pillar of the Rossoneri) the chemistry is evident and it has led both to their best scoring season. The two communicate well in and around the edge of the box, linking up to unlock defences.
This season, Reijnders has added three more goals for the Netherlands (the last a decisive one against Spain) and an assist. Including the haul with Milan, he is on 21 goal contributions for club and country.
Simply put, he is one of the best in Europe. Will Real and City try again in the summer? Maybe, knowing however that even if they knock on the door, Milan will not open it even slightly.
An emerging leader
In the dressing room, Reijnders is also one of the players who exposes himself the most. He was the player who showed up to speak the most after a match, whether he had to take credit or – above all – assume responsibility.
He lives in the city centre, he is often seen walking with his wife Marina and baby Xavien (the crossed arms after goals are a nod to him) through the streets of Milano. His popularity on social media has also grown: on Instagram he has almost reached the milestone of one million followers.
Above all, his market value has increased exponentially. He cost €20m to sign from AZ in the summer of 2023, today he is worth more than triple. A numerical exercise given that Milan will not want to verify the results by listening to possible offers. Even without the Champions League.
