Tottenham Hotspur’s ambitions of signing Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan have been dealt a blow as the Italian club reportedly intensifies efforts to extend the Dutch midfielder’s contract. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently provided an update via social media, revealing that Milan is in advanced talks with Reijnders regarding a new deal. This development casts doubt on Tottenham’s chances of securing the 25-year-old’s services in January.
Romano’s tweet confirmed that Milan sees Reijnders as a crucial part of their long-term project, with the new contract negotiations now at the forefront of discussions. This news is particularly significant for Tottenham, who had been eyeing the midfielder as part of their plans to strengthen their midfield options. Along with Liverpool, Spurs were rumored to be interested in Reijnders, but Milan’s push to secure his future at San Siro makes any potential move increasingly unlikely.
Reijnders joined Milan from AZ Alkmaar in the summer of 2023 and quickly became a key figure in the squad under manager Paulo Fonseca. In his debut season, the Dutch international appeared in 50 matches across all competitions, contributing four goals and four assists. His ability to impact games with his versatility, work rate, and technical skills made him a fan favorite, and his performances did not go unnoticed across Europe.
The midfielder’s impressive form has continued into the current season. Having already scored four goals and provided two assists in just 13 appearances, Reijnders has solidified his place as one of Milan’s standout performers. His most recent highlight came in Milan’s 3-1 victory over Real Madrid, where he netted a crucial goal while controlling the midfield. This performance further exemplified his growing influence on the pitch and enhanced his reputation as a dynamic, box-to-box midfielder with both offensive and defensive attributes.
Across all competitions, Reijnders now boasts a career tally of 43 goals and 37 assists, a testament to his all-around contribution to his team’s attacking play. Known for his sharp footballing instincts, he is often praised for his ability to drive the team forward, link up play, and score from midfield—traits that have made him highly sought after.
For Tottenham, missing out on Reijnders would represent a significant setback in their ongoing search for a midfield upgrade. Despite bolstering their midfield with the summer signings of Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall, Spurs were still keen to add more depth and quality to their squad, especially in the center of the park. Their interest in other midfield targets, such as Conor Gallagher from Chelsea and Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey, highlights the club’s desire to improve this crucial area. However, negotiations for Ramsey were not successful, with a player-plus-cash offer involving Giovani Lo Celso reportedly rejected by Villa.
While the rejection of the Ramsey bid stung, Tottenham is likely to remain in the market for another central midfielder in the upcoming transfer windows. Their interest in Reijnders had provided hope that they could secure a high-quality addition, but Milan’s contract talks have made that pursuit far more complicated. Should Milan finalize an extension with Reijnders, it would be a significant blow to Tottenham’s midfield ambitions, as the 25-year-old has become a key part of Milan’s future plans.
Overall, Tottenham’s attempts to land the Dutch international face increasing challenges. Milan’s efforts to tie Reijnders down to a long-term contract reinforce their commitment to building around him as a vital piece of their squad. With Reijnders content in his current role at San Siro, Tottenham may have to turn their attention elsewhere if they are to bolster their midfield ranks in the near future.
In summary, Tottenham’s pursuit of Tijjani Reijnders appears to be facing a major obstacle as AC Milan closes in on an extension for the Dutch midfielder. With Milan viewing Reijnders as a pivotal part of their future and negotiations progressing, Spurs’ hopes of signing him may now depend on whether the player is willing to leave the San Siro or if Milan’s new deal proves to be a decisive factor in keeping him at the club.
