CM: Man City plot huge bid for Milan midfielder – Champions League factor could be key | OneFootball

One of the few players exempt from criticism in what has been a disastrous season for AC Milan is Tijjani Reijnders, but this has attracted interest from abroad.

As Calciomercato.com report, flashes of Reijnders’ brilliance were seen during his first season with the club, the 2023-24 campaign. However, there were moments where his end product perhaps could have been a bit better.

That all changed with the arrival on the bench of Paulo Fonseca, who was good in this case at understanding that the former AZ Alkmaar player had to be freed from defensive duties, thus moving him forward to be the attacking midfielder.

A five-star season

Reijnders is integral to how Milan play. The Dutchman always thinks and plays vertically, raises his head and takes aim. It is why he has already scored 13 goals this season, and is the team’s second top scorer behind only Christian Pulisic.

These are impressive numbers that have brought him to the attention of clubs like Real Madrid. Los Blancos were struck by his performance on November 5, when Milan conquered the Santiago Bernabeu in a 3-1 win in which he scored.

However, at present Manchester City are the club most interested. Pep Guardiola knows that his team needs to revamp its midfield and has set his sights on the Milan star, who he sees as ‘perfect’ for the way he wants to play.

The price tag

Milan moved early on Reijnders, both two summers ago when they snatched him from competition from Barcelona, and a few weeks ago by announcing a renewal until 2030 with a pay rise to €3.5m net per season.

It was a move that to many seemed as though Milan were saying: ‘You are not moving from here, you are staying to help us relaunch the club’. Without qualifying for the next edition of the Champions League, things are more precarious.

The Rossoneri will have to resist what will be a strong temptation to raise money, because in England sources are convinced that Manchester City will put forward a €50-60m offer. Considering that Milan signed him for €20m, it would be tempting, like the Sandro Tonali case shows.

It is also a temptation that Tijjani himself will have to resist, but he has placed his trust in the club in a difficult moment. He will now also be interested in understanding what the new project will be.