Massimiliano Allegri never set about to directly replace Tijjani Reijnders and rather wished to construct a different type of midfield.
In two years Reijnders played 104 games and scored 19 goals, winning this year the award for best midfielder in Lega Serie A. Above all, Reijnders left his mark on the pitch and on the fans who made him a real favourite, and it will be a tall order to replace him.
This morning’s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) dedicates an article to Milan’s pursuit of Ardon Jashari, who is the one that Allegri really wants to be the next midfield signing after Luka Modric and Samuele Ricci.
Alessandra Gozzini’s piece goes on to speak about how the mission for the new coach was not to simply go out and find another Reijnders, but rather to rebuild the department in a different and hopefully more effective way.
“Reijnders knew how to find spaces and had excellent timing: receiving the ball was crucial. The new Rossoneri era will start with players who know how to keep possession, who are fine passers,” it reads.
“The new Milan will seek to dominate the game and the incursions of the mezzali will be dictated by the control room, according to the vision of Modric or perhaps Ricci. The club, following Max’s indications, has never wanted to replace Reijnders with a copy of the Dutchman.
“It has focused on midfielders with other characteristics and has already brought Modric home and is negotiating with good chances of success Ricci and Jashari. Xhaka is moving away, too similar to the others.
“And between Jashari and Javi Guerra, Allegri believes more in the talent of the Swiss. Who, as mentioned, reciprocates the esteem and has put Milan at the top of the preferences. The change that the club has in mind best summarizes the strategy: out Musah, in Jashari.”
