In an era when footballers are often tempted by massive contracts and glamorous moves to elite clubs across Europe, Tijjani Reijnders has taken a different path—one rooted in loyalty, belief, and long-term vision. The 25-year-old Dutch midfielder has emerged as one of the most essential figures at AC Milan, not just for his on-pitch performances, but also for his leadership, consistency, and dedication to the club’s project. While the bright lights of the Premier League and La Liga beckoned, Reijnders made it clear: his heart remains in Milan.
This article explores in depth the significance of Reijnders’ decision, how he fits into AC Milan’s evolving strategy, the impact of rejecting a Pep Guardiola-led Manchester City, and what it means for the Rossoneri as they shape their squad for the years ahead.
Tijjani Reijnders joined AC Milan from AZ Alkmaar in the summer of 2023 for around €20 million. At the time, he was seen as a promising, well-rounded midfielder with technical quality and a strong work ethic. Less than two seasons later, he has not only justified the investment but surpassed expectations.
Averaging over 3,700 minutes in all competitions this season—more than any outfield player at the club—Reijnders has become indispensable. Only goalkeeper Mike Maignan has featured more. His influence on the game has grown with each passing week, and he’s now one of the first names on the team sheet, regardless of formation or opponent.
His energy, tactical intelligence, and positional versatility allow him to function as both a deep-lying playmaker and a dynamic box-to-box engine. Add to that his goal-scoring ability—13 goals this season for Milan, equal to Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham—and you get a complete midfielder capable of shaping the outcome of matches.
Interest from Manchester City is no small matter. Pep Guardiola has long had an eye for technical midfielders who can operate fluidly in his positional play system. In Reijnders, he saw a player who could potentially slot in seamlessly—someone who scores goals, covers distance, and contributes defensively.
Sources reveal that Manchester City scouts were present at multiple Milan matches throughout the season. Their interest wasn’t passive. They actively pursued the Dutchman, considering him a serious target to rejuvenate their midfield alongside names like Phil Foden and Rodri. With Kevin De Bruyne aging and Ilkay Gündoğan gone, City has been searching for a creative, energetic midfielder to carry their philosophy forward.
However, Reijnders refused to be swayed. According to reports from *La Gazzetta dello Sport*, he reaffirmed his commitment to Milan, citing personal happiness, belief in the club’s project, and his role within the squad as reasons for staying His decision echoes a rare sentiment in modern football: not every player is chasing trophies at the expense of identity. Reijnders knows he is central to Milan’s tactical system, whereas he might be just another name in a rotation at City.
While Manchester City was vocal in its pursuit, Real Madrid also showed concrete interest. The Spanish giants reportedly had scouts tracking Reijnders throughout the season, especially impressed by his consistency and his national team contributions.
It’s telling that Reijnders has managed to match Bellingham’s goal tally this season. For a midfielder not typically positioned as a pure attacker, that kind of productivity stands out. At Real Madrid, where midfield legends are molded and revered, his profile fits the bill. And yet, Reijnders stood firm.
This decision, once again, goes beyond football. In Milan, he has not only found a club but a city where he feels at home. He lives in the heart of Milano with his wife, Marina, and their baby son, Xavien. His now-iconic “crossed arms” goal celebration is a tribute to his son, and it reflects how deeply rooted he feels in the city and the club
Earlier this season, AC Milan acted swiftly to tie Reijnders down long-term. The club extended his contract until June 2030, more than five years into the future. Along with that came a significant pay bump—from €1.7 million to €3.5 million net per season.
This contract signals more than just financial appreciation. It’s Milan’s way of saying, “You are the future of our midfield.” For a club with ambitions to reclaim the Scudetto and re-establish itself as a European powerhouse, securing their most influential players is step one.
In addition to Reijnders, Milan has prioritized Christian Pulisic as another key pillar. The chemistry between the two is evident. They complement each other perfectly in the final third—Reijnders’ smart runs and link-up play blend beautifully with Pulisic’s sharp movement and creativity. Together, they have enjoyed their most productive seasons to date.
Milan is a team in transition. After a semi-final run in the Champions League last season and domestic ups and downs, it’s clear the squad needs refining. But rather than undergo a total rebuild, the club intends to build around its strongest assets—and Reijnders is central to that plan.
Next to him, Milan hopes to bring in a more physically dominant midfielder—someone in the mold of Youssouf Fofana—to balance the midfield. They also plan to sign a Gimenez-type striker, one who can occupy defenders and open spaces for late midfield runs, a hallmark of Reijnders’ game. The goal is clear: elevate Milan’s level without compromising the identity being forged through leaders like Reijnders and Pulisic.
Perhaps what’s most impressive about Reijnders is how quickly he’s grown into a leadership role. Still just 25, he is often the player who steps in front of the cameras after both wins and losses. He’s mature, articulate, and unafraid to accept responsibility. In a young squad that has lost some veteran voices, his presence has become increasingly important.
In the dressing room, he commands respect. On the pitch, he leads by example—tracking back, pushing forward, and maintaining composure under pressure. He’s a quiet leader, but an effective one.
Off the field, his popularity continues to grow. He is fast approaching **one million Instagram followers**, and his visibility has turned him into one of Milan’s most recognizable faces. Fans often spot him around Milan’s elegant streets with his family, blending seamlessly into the lifestyle and culture.
Reijnders was signed for €20 million. Today, that valuation has more than tripled. Statistically, tactically, and commercially, he’s one of the hottest midfielders in Europe. Yet, Milan’s stance is unshakeable: he is non-transferable.
Even without guaranteed Champions League football next season, the club has no intention of cashing in. Selling him would undermine the entire strategic blueprint they’re building around him. It would also send the wrong message to fans and players alike. Milan knows they have a gem—and for once, they’re choosing to resist the economic pressure that has seen them lose other stars in recent years.
In many ways, Reijnders represents the new AC Milan. He’s modern, versatile, marketable, and most importantly, loyal. He isn’t defined by past glories but is focused on shaping the future. Alongside a growing core of ambitious players, he’s helping Milan evolve into a team that doesn’t just compete but sets the tone.
His rejection of City and Real Madrid isn’t just about turning down transfers. It’s a declaration that Milan is where he belongs—and that he intends to lead, not follow
The summer of 2025 will be pivotal for AC Milan. With the foundations set through Reijnders, the club will look to strengthen the squad with targeted signings. A new forward, a physically commanding midfielder, and potentially reinforcements at full-back are all on the radar.
For Reijnders, the task is clear: continue leading by example and help Milan return to the summit of Italian and European football. At the same time, he’ll likely become more prominent on the international stage with the Netherlands, where he has already begun to establish himself. With his blend of tactical intelligence, technical ability, and emotional connection to Milan, the sky is the limit.
In today’s football world, where players often chase the biggest paycheck or the most decorated badge, Tijjani Reijnders’ choice to stay at AC Milan is both refreshing and inspiring. By turning down Manchester City and Real Madrid, he has chosen legacy over luxury, leadership over rotation, and purpose over prestige.
Milan fans will hope this is just the beginning of a long, successful chapter. If the club builds wisely around him, Reijnders could become not just a midfield maestro—but a modern-day Rossoneri legend
