Reijnders joined Milan in the summer of 2023 for around €20 million. This past season saw the player become one of the best goal scoring midfielders in Europe with a salary of €4 million gross. He scored 10 league goals in the 2024-2025 Serie A season and added 5 more in the Coppa Italia and European play.

His transfer fee is reportedly around the €55 million range rising to around €70 million with some of the addons easy to reach. His Manchester City contract is set expire in 2030, the same date that his Milan extension was signed for earlier this year.

Player Summary

Name:

Tijjani Reijnders

Date of Birth:

Jul 29, 1998

Age:

26

Height:

1.85 m

Citizenship:

Netherlands

Position:

Midfielder

Foot:

Right

Agency:

None

Ownership:

Manchester City

Contract Expires:

Jun 30, 2030

Current Club:

Manchester City

Joined:

Jun 11, 2025

The schedule for the 2025-2026 Serie A season has been released, earlier than most seasons. The season starts the weekend of August 23 and ends the weekend of May 23 2026. The 2026 USA/Mexico/Canada World Cup starts just 18 days after the season concludes. As with last season Lega Serie A has done away with the short Christmas break. With no European involvement – but forced to contend with earlier Coppa Italia rounds – Milan has a less crowded schedule than last season.

The season starts versus Cremonese and the Milan derby at weeks 12 and 28. A meeting with Bari in the first round of the Coppa Italia is scheduled for August. The preseason gathering and start of the Allegri 2.0 era is set for July 4th.

Quickly after the season ended with a 2-0 win versus Monza the team moved to confirm Igli Tare as sporting director and then circumstances quickly developed that made bringing back Allegri a reality. Antonio Conte reversing course at Napoli after seemingly snubbing the idea just as the Gli Azzurri were celebrating winning the 2024-2025 scudetto was one catalyst as was Vincenzo Italiano staying at Bologna. Allegri probably lost his number one choice and accepted a 2+1 year deal at Milan. This comes with the presumption that he has asked for and gotten greater influence in the transfer market. More on the summer possibilities below but first a bit about the week 38 match versus Monza.

Monza’s visit to the San Siro had both teams little to play for. After it was confirmed that a top eight finish wouldn’t mean skipping earlier Coppa Italia rounds the game was rendered as meaningless as a season finale can get. Bologna finishing 9th in the Serie A standings but winning the Coppa meant that they would get something akin to priority seeding for the 2025-2026 Coppa Italia so they would be the team to get a bye until the 1/16 round in December. With such a circumstance having a starting 11 with only one youth product in Bartesaghi was at least surprising. Leao and Theo on the bench was and is perhaps a foreboding for the summer transfer market. A first half with Musah on the right essentially meant playing without a right winger and the balls passed to the right were indeed wasted. Second half changes looked likely and inevitable as Camarda replaced Jovic and Chukwueze came in to provide some right wing presence in place of the aforementioned American midfielder. Camarda’s presence was quickly making a difference and was apparent in the Monza box. With the improved play Gabbia scored a classic header from a corner and later Joao Felix fouled near the top right of the Monza box immediately asked for the ball and his free kick beat Semuel Pizzignacco proving his instincts right. The Portuguese loanee was subsequently subbed off and it looked like his time at Milan is, as expected, at an end. Florenzi was given the last five minutes and is to be another player to say goodbye this summer. The game had a positive second half but Milan with a suspended and departing coach was carrying a lot of questions and was subject to an early (15th minute) walkout by the Curva Sud ultras. The lowest finish in a decade had set the stage for protests starting in front of Casa Milan with doom and gloom across social media and fandom.

The work began as soon as the dreadful 63 points season ended. The rumoured Tare contract talks culminated in the former Lazio chief and apparent Milan fan signing on and getting to work on a coaching choice. Allegri’s availability made his job clearer at least. The former coach accepted while Conceicao’s name was still showing on Milan’s official site.

As is normal for most teams – and it feels in particular Milan – rumours are never ending. One such note that started circulating well before season’s end was the possibility of one big name being sold to regulate team finances especially in light of missing all European action next season. A Tonali-esque sale would seem to apply to Reijnders as he became the subject of Manchester City rumours. The soon to be Kevin De Bruyne-less team are serious about the Dutch Serie A midfielder of the year. His 15 goals for Milan had caught the attention of many and with a good profit on his €20 million 2024 to be had a transfer seems likely if not inevitable. Whether or not Milan can maximize this profit remains to be seen but history doesn’t fill many fans with confidence. Most do and should prefer he stay but the player who only months ago extended his contract should cost €80 million or more.

Reijnders is not the only possible departure. Recent form, whispers and overall body language do not bode well for Theo and Leao. Early Tare and Allegri times seem to indicate that the former could be sold with some leaks that he is demanding a big salary bump supporting the feeling. His most recent form does not work in his favour but they do not work in Milan’s advantage either. Theo’s contact runs out next summer and the threat of another Bosman free transfers looms on Milan more than most teams. However, Leao is said to be wanted by the new sporting director and coach and may yet become the cornerstone of the team.

A Maignan extension seems to be on the agenda as well, seemingly requested by Allegri. Elsewhere on the pitch an Italianization remains on the cards. Torino’s Samuele Ricci being one oft mentioned name. Parma’s Giovanni Leoni is another very young player on the radar. His possible transfer might signal changes at the back.

Recent history has not shown it to be the case but this summer’s changes could signal a move towards promoting Milan’s own youth products and Camarda could be the start with the likes Bartesaghi, Liberali the primary and readier candidates. This would of course match up with the move towards a more Italian Milan. There is lots to work on in the departures department if there is to be any kind of revolution. Another year zero beckons with the likes of Loftus-Cheek, Sottil, Walker and others like Tomori candidates to leave the team.

Allegri’s most recent dour tactics and conduct while at Juventus has not made many Milan fans receptive to the idea of having the former scudetto winner back but his arrival is at least a step in the direction of creating a more predictable team. Where Fonseca and Conceicao failed is where Allegri can restore some semblance of order. Eleven coaches in eleven years is where Milan stand at now and reversing this trend is arguably one of the biggest needs.

This summer the team may take fuller shape earlier and that would be out of the norm for Milan. In any case the team will be contending with official games sooner than most seasons. A Coppa meeting with Bari in August and a World Cup coming next summer set up an early start to the new season.

Forza Milan

Week 37 away at Roma provided yet more evidence that the current Milan is broken and in crisis. The players showed little will and shape and the coach himself received a red card and will miss what is in all likelihood his last match in charge of Milan. Conceicao was right to be critical of the refereeing however. Gimenez was sent off for an elbow that was identical to the one Gabbia received in the Coppa final match days earlier. The same VAR in charge saw the same incident differently. Alas the team has had a horrendous season and the responsibility starts at the top but is shared by all down to the players. Igli Tare might arrive as a Sporting Director and an Italian Milan might take shape but there is little reason for optimism as things stand. Time and the upcoming summer will tell.

The red Giminez received rules him out of this season finale. Jovic is the most likely replacement. Leao and Pulisic will start on the wings. Whispers that the latter is seeking clarification before agreeing to any contract extensions are predictable, if not necessarily true. Fofana and Reijnders should start in their usual pivot roles. The rumours about the latter’s future seem more concrete but the player may still remain. He signed an extension mere months ago. Theo’s season has been mixed to poor and he looks like another asking for assurances. It would be unsurprising if he is not a Milan player come September. The Frenchman may not even start this last game with Musah taking his place. Jimenez will start on the right of midfield. Tomori, Gabbia and Pavlovic should keep their back three places in front of Maignan.

Milan sit in ninth spot with no chance of finishing sixth. This means no European football next season, not even the dreaded Conference League. The only thing to play for is saving some face and perhaps a top eight spot. Beating Monza and finishing above one of Fiorentina (away versus Udinese) or Bologna (at home versus Genoa) means the team can avoid the early rounds of the 2025-2026 Coppa Italia that are scheduled for August.

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AC Milan has never struggled for star power. From Van Basten to Maldini to Kaká, the club’s history reads like a footballing hall of fame. But beneath the spotlight lies a second layer of influence — players whose contributions didn’t always trend, but whose presence was crucial to Milan’s most dominant eras.

Football history often fixates on goals and glamour. But Milan, at its best, thrived on structure. On roles well played. On players who didn’t demand attention — but deserved it anyway.

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These are five players who won everything — and still fly under the radar.

Functional Players, Exceptional Eras

AC Milan’s success has always been systemic. Yes, they had flair — but they also had glue. These are the men who made the whole thing stick.

Massimo Ambrosini: The Anchor in the Chaos

In a midfield with Andrea Pirlo’s elegance and Gennaro Gattuso’s fire, Ambrosini was the stabiliser. He read danger early. He won second balls. He filled the gaps no one else noticed — until he wasn’t there.

He was never the face of a project, but he was often its spine. Captaining Milan in the late 2000s, he bridged the transition between two eras — and helped deliver a Champions League in 2007.

What he taught Milan: Sometimes the best creativity comes from control.

Role Fluidity Before It Was Trendy

Football now talks a lot about “inverted full-backs” and “hybrid eights.” Milan had players who lived that tactical complexity — before it became a podcast talking point.

Kakhaber Kaladze: The Perfect Puzzle Piece

Kaladze wasn’t flashy. He wasn’t loud. But he was always useful. Signed in 2001, the Georgian defender slotted into centre-back, left-back, and even midfield when required — and he did it all with the kind of quiet competence managers love.

He featured in two Champions League final squads and over 250 matches — mostly without fanfare.

The value: Not every elite squad needs a star in every position. It needs solutions.

Serginho: The Jet on the Left

Serginho was electric. Whether bombing down the flank or coming off the bench to change tempo, he offered verticality in a system that often prized control.

He wasn’t a guaranteed starter — but he was a guaranteed problem. His pace and delivery stretched defences, especially in big games. Like the 2003 Champions League final, where he calmly slotted home in the penalty shootout.

Takeaway: Speed ages. Tactical intelligence doesn’t.

The Unsung Architect

Before the word “regista” became mainstream, AC Milan had a midfielder who defined the role — and rarely got the same praise.

Demetrio Albertini: The Original Orchestrator

Before Pirlo, there was Albertini. Calm in possession. Brave under pressure. And capable of dictating rhythm across 90 minutes without raising his voice — or his pulse.

He came through Milan’s youth ranks and won five Serie A titles and a Champions League. But outside of Italy, his name rarely surfaces in best-XI debates.

Why he mattered: Milan’s success in the 1990s didn’t begin with dribbles. It began with decisions.

Impact in the Moments That Count

Legacy isn’t just about volume — it’s about timing. The final. The derby. The goal when it actually matters. Daniele Massaro understood this better than most.

Daniele Massaro: The Clutch Contributor

Massaro wasn’t Milan’s biggest name. He wasn’t even always first-choice. But in the 1994 Champions League final — arguably the most dominant performance in Milan’s history — he scored twice against Barcelona.

He didn’t rack up 30-goal seasons. He just showed up when it counted. Which, in Milan’s system-first mentality, was often enough.

Lesson: You don’t need to be the guy. You just need to be there when it matters.

What Can Football Learn From This?

Milan built dynasties balancing psychology, structure, and timing. 

Here’s what modern fans can take away:

1. Celebrate structure, not just sparkle.

Ambrosini and Kaladze weren’t flashy. But they were foundational. Every successful system has unsung elements.

2. Tactical flexibility is a currency.

Kaladze played across three roles. Serginho redefined substitution impact. Versatility isn’t backup — it’s a strategy.

3. Legacy lives in the moment.

Massaro won’t top historical scoring charts. But his goals are still being replayed 30 years later. It’s about when, not how often.

4. Midfield maestros come in quiet tones.

Albertini didn’t dazzle. He directed. Some of Milan’s best football was played to the beat of his tempo.

Standard-bearers for Milan

AC Milan’s story is full of icons. But it’s also full of infrastructure — human, tactical, emotional. These five players may not top lists or trend online, but they defined what it meant to wear the badge.

Legacy isn’t always loud. But it lasts.

Milan managed to provide an encapsulation of the very disappointing and poor season in the Coppa Italia final. An ineffective, mediocre performance against Bologna in Roma left Milan with another embarrassment. As if not given before the 1-0 loss in Roma the season is now deserving of words like fiasco, regression and worse. The responsibility clearly starts at the top but is not confined to Gerry Cardinale, Paolo Scaroni, Giorgio Furlani, Ibra and Geoffrey Moncada. Conceicao (and Fonseca before him) and most of the squad share fault. As is natural the positive and good players, but not only them, are subject to exit rumours. As one example, Reijnders is reported to be a solid target for Manchester City. While selling a player of his importance is a few steps back the selling price is also a factor. History shows that Milan are not exactly the best at maximizing sales numbers. A painful summer, that may include qualification for the UEFA Conference League, is upon us.

Travelling to Rome with only a hope of keeping a top eight spot is not how the penultimate game of the season should have been or should be for a team with Milan’s resources but here we are.

Little to no change is expected as Maignan will start behind Tomori, Gabbia and Pavlovic. The Jimenez, Reijnders, Fofana, Theo quartet is also expected to start. Gimenez might get a now rare start in place of Jovic. Otherwise Pulisic and Leao should retain their spots. The latter had one of his off games and while he remains the team’s top pure talent he is very deserving of expectations and criticism of not delivering them more often. All in all the squad has not been managed as well as should be expected and as mentioned above very few can escape the blame.

Roma lie only three points ahead of Milan in sixth place. A win in this match and in the season finale versus Monza will add a minor positive note to the 2024-25 Serie A season but Milan is in crisis and Cardinale absence from Milan only heightens the hopes for another team sale.

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After beating Bologna 3-1 in week 36 action last weekend Milan meet the same team for a chance at a sixth Coppa Italia title. The game at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome presents a chance at a second trophy this season for Conceicao and Milan. Winning the Supercoppa Italiana very early on at his time at Milan had, many hoped, set the tone for the second half of the season under a new manager but it didn’t turn out that way. Inconsistency, mediocre play, continued rotation that was never fully logical all have played a part in Milan only barely clinging to eighth spot as the Serie A season is winding down.

Winning the Coppa allows the team to compete in next season’s Europa League. The recent switch to a 3-4-3 has Milan becoming stingier in goals allowed and the rossoneri to pile on the wins. The form has led the team to be in a position where UEFA Champions League qualification is still mathematically possible but the chances are remote at best with the team needing to win the final two games of the Serie A season and all of Juventus, Lazio, Roma and Bologna losing.

As is expected the starting 11 for the Coppa will be mostly predictable. The back three is likely to remain Tomori, Gabbia and Pavlovic with Maignan in goal. Jimenez, Reijnders, Fofana and Theo should be in the middle with Leao, back from yellow cards suspension on the weekend, Pulisic and Jovic up front. Some questions may exist regarding Jovic or Gimenez as starter. The latter is finding form with three goals scored.

Bologna, now winless in three, will ty to do better than the weekend. Follow the match and more on the forums.

For reasons best known by Conceicao himself Milan started the week 35 match away at Genoa with Leao on the bench with what looked like a 3-4-2-1 and included Loftus-Cheek. In any even a Fofana injury before thew half hour forced a change and Leao came on for the Frenchman.

The team sputtered and conceded first through Vitinha. The game turned around with a Leao shot that was deflected in and a toe poke own goal by a scrambling Morten Frendrup. All under two minutes. The 2-1 away win helped reduced the gap with eighth placed Fiorentina to two points.

As chance would have it Milan will meet Bologna in two successive matches. This week 36 match will be followed, five days later, by the Coppa Italia final at the Stadio Olimpico between the same two teams.

Fofana has been added to the injury list, albeit for the short term. It is predicted that Loftus-Cheek will get another start, this time alongside Reijnders in a four man midfield alongside Jimenez and Theo. Maignan will start behind the back three of Tomori, Gabbia and Pavlovic. Leao received a yellow at Genoa, he has accumulated the five that would mean a one game suspension. It is likely that his spot will be taken by his compatriot. Joao Felix could start with Pulisic and Gimenez up front. The Mexican forward is in line to start for the first time in many weeks. Francesco Camarda is set to be included in the squad as he is not eligible to participate in the Milan Futuro’s relegation playoff game vs SPAL, the teams finished the Serie C season 18th and 17th respectively.

Vincenzo Italiano’s Bologna have been one of the form teams of this Serie A season and are currently 7th in the table.

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AC Milan’s dominance in European football is well-documented. As they now focus on global competitions, their strategies are evolving. How do they maintain their competitive edge on the international stage?

AC Milan has a storied history of success in European tournaments, particularly the Champions League, where their tactical brilliance and player prowess have been on display for decades. This legacy is built on strategic planning and exceptional talent, earning them numerous titles. As AC Milan shifts focus to international competitions like the fifa club world cup, the challenge lies in replicating this success on a global level. The team must navigate new terrains and opponents while maintaining their core strengths.

Adapting to international arenas

AC Milan’s transition from European tournaments to global competitions involves more than just tactical adjustments. The team needs to embrace a shift in mindset as well. Competing on a world stage requires understanding diverse playing styles and adapting to different conditions swiftly. This adaptability is crucial for maintaining their competitive edge.

The international stage presents unique challenges that differ significantly from European tournaments. Here, teams face opponents with varying tactical philosophies and cultural approaches to football. AC Milan’s ability to adjust their gameplay accordingly determines their success in such events. For example, while European teams might focus on precision and technical play, South American teams may emphasize flair and creativity.

To thrive globally, AC Milan invests in comprehensive preparations and strategic planning. They analyze opponents meticulously, identifying strengths and weaknesses to exploit during matches. This level of preparation ensures that they are not caught off guard by unfamiliar tactics or playing conditions, which is vital for achieving consistent performance worldwide.

Strategies for excelling on the global stage

Excelling on the global stage demands more than tactical finesse; it’s about embracing versatility and resilience. AC Milan understands that adapting to different time zones, climates, and altitudes can influence player performance. Thus, they invest in rigorous physical conditioning programs that prepare athletes for varied environments.

The coaching staff plays an integral role in this adaptation process by instilling a flexible approach within the team. By encouraging players to be versatile, they ensure that each athlete can contribute effectively regardless of their position or role on the field. This flexibility becomes crucial when unexpected changes arise during international tournaments.

Moreover, AC Milan emphasizes mental fortitude as part of their strategy for global success. Competing against unfamiliar opponents can be daunting, but by fostering a culture of confidence and teamwork, they overcome psychological barriers. These mental strategies complement their physical preparations, creating a holistic approach that maximizes performance in every match.

Comparing competition levels and challenges

The competition level between European tournaments and international competitions varies significantly. In Europe, clubs often encounter familiar rivals with predictable playing styles, allowing for targeted strategies tailored over time. However, on the global stage, unpredictability becomes a key challenge as teams face unfamiliar opponents from diverse backgrounds.

This diversity introduces new tactical challenges for AC Milan’s players and coaching staff alike. They must navigate through an array of footballing cultures—each with unique strengths—that require constant adaptation and improvisation during games. For instance, while European teams might prioritize structured defense systems, other regions could focus on aggressive attacking plays.

Adapting successfully means recognizing these differences early on and implementing counter-strategies effectively within tight timelines—a skill honed through experience over years spent competing at elite levels both domestically and abroad. The ability not only relies upon technical prowess but also mental agility among all involved: coaches and players alike who must work together seamlessly toward common goals despite any obstacles encountered along the way.

Player roles and performance strategies

The key strategies employed by AC Milan revolve around maximizing individual talents while maintaining cohesive teamwork dynamics across the entire squad roster. Players are encouraged to take initiative when necessary yet always remain mindful of overarching objectives set forth by the management team. This ensures everyone stays aligned towards achieving ultimate victory.

For instance, certain individuals might excel in particular aspects of the game such as dribbling skills, shooting accuracy, or defensive positioning, allowing them to shine brightly under pressure situations. These attributes are crucial during matches played out in real-time scenarios, keeping fans engaged throughout the spectacle.

AC Milan’s approach to international competitions is a testament to their commitment to excellence. By fostering a culture of adaptability and resilience, they continue to be a formidable force on the global stage, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of football.

Milan came away from Venezia with an unspectacular 0-2 win. The Coppa Final is in sight and Serie A offers very little in the final stretch. Attempting to catch Fiorentina, who were five points ahead of Milan at the beginning match day 35 before losing 1-0 to Roma, provides a more regular schedule next season. Catching I Viola and the top eight means avoiding the early Coppa Italia rounds beginning in early August.

The squad was listed as healthy as the week progressed but as is to be expected three injuries have been reported. Abraham, Bondo and Sottil won’t be available for this match. The three have thigh, ankle and hip issues respectively. The 3-4-3 is expected to survive, results have been mostly positive in that the team is conceding fewer goals with three center backs. Maignan is expected to start behind Tomori, Gabbia and Pavlovic. It is reported that Jimenez is favored to start again even though Walker is healthy. Theo will be on the other side with Fofana and Reijnders in the middle. Jovic, in good form, will be the attacking focus. Leao and Pulisic will continue on the wings.

Conceicao has said that he is not a fan of the 3-4-3 and prefers his oft used 4-4-2 much more but has to adapt to the players. The coach is still expected to depart when the season finishes this month and news of his replacement and that of Sporting Director continues in Italian headlines. Much has been said but most expect a more Italian Milan next season.

Patrick Vieira’s Genoa, led by Andrea Pinamonti, sit in the lower half of the table and haven’t won in a month.

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