Pellegatti claims Reijnders ‘said goodbye to his teammates’ amid Man City speculation Sempre Milan

The hallowed corridors of Milanello have witnessed countless farewells over the decades, but few have carried the weight of uncertainty and speculation that surrounded Tijjani Reijnders’ recent interactions with his AC Milan teammates. What began as routine end-of-season pleasantries has evolved into a transfer saga that threatens to reshape the Rossoneri’s midfield plans for the upcoming campaign.

The Award and the Aftermath

The 2024-25 Serie A season concluded with Reijnders receiving individual recognition that perfectly encapsulated his meteoric rise in Italian football. The Dutch midfielder was officially named the league’s best midfielder by the Lega Serie A, a prestigious honor that served as validation of his exceptional performances throughout the campaign. The award ceremony, conducted on the San Siro pitch before Milan’s comfortable 2-0 victory over Monza, should have been a moment of pure celebration for both player and club.

However, what transpired after the final whistle has since become the subject of intense scrutiny and speculation. Reijnders’ decision to bring his young son Xavien onto the field created an emotionally charged scene that many observers interpreted as something far more significant than a simple family moment. The sight of the 26-year-old midfielder walking across the San Siro turf with his child sparked immediate questions about whether this represented a farewell gesture to the Milan faithful.

In modern football, such symbolic moments rarely occur without underlying significance. Players have historically used similar opportunities to bid farewell to supporters, making Reijnders’ actions particularly noteworthy given the swirling transfer speculation surrounding his future. The timing of this gesture, combined with his subsequent interactions with teammates and staff, has created a narrative that extends far beyond the immediate aftermath of Milan’s season finale.

Pellegatti’s Revelations

Carlo Pellegatti, one of Milan’s most respected journalists and a figure whose insights carry considerable weight within the club’s ecosystem, provided the revelation that has sent shockwaves through the Milan community. Speaking on his widely-followed YouTube channel, Pellegatti delivered what he described as a “brief but worrying update” regarding Reijnders’ situation at the club.

“I heard that Reijnders said goodbye to his teammates,” Pellegatti revealed, his words carrying the gravity of someone privy to information from within Milan’s inner circle. “Of course, you can also say goodbye to wish them a good holiday, but the general impression… he said goodbye to everyone at Milanello, he said goodbye to his teammates… it didn’t seem like the greeting of a player going on holiday.”

Pellegatti’s careful choice of words reflects both his journalistic integrity and his understanding of the delicate nature of transfer speculation. His distinction between routine end-of-season farewells and what appeared to be something more definitive suggests that Reijnders’ behavior at the training facility was markedly different from typical seasonal departures. The veteran journalist’s emphasis on the “general impression” indicates that multiple sources within Milan’s structure shared similar observations about the midfielder’s demeanor and actions.

The significance of Pellegatti’s comments extends beyond mere speculation. His longstanding relationship with AC Milan and his reputation for accurate reporting lend credibility to his observations. When such a well-connected figure suggests that a player’s farewell carried unusual weight, it typically indicates that significant developments are imminent.

The Manchester City Connection

The emergence of Manchester City as the primary destination for Reijnders represents a seismic shift in the transfer landscape surrounding the Dutch international. Pep Guardiola’s interest in the midfielder is not merely speculative; reports suggest that the Catalan coach has specifically identified Reijnders as a key target for the upcoming Club World Cup and beyond.

Manchester City’s approach to this potential transfer reflects their current strategic priorities. The club’s recent focus on adding depth and quality to their midfield ranks aligns perfectly with Reijnders’ profile as a versatile, technically gifted player capable of operating in multiple positions. Guardiola’s tactical system demands players who can seamlessly transition between different roles, and Reijnders has demonstrated precisely these qualities throughout his time in Serie A.

The reported €70 million valuation attached to any potential deal underscores the premium that elite clubs place on proven Serie A talent. This figure represents not just Reijnders’ current market value but also reflects the inflation that has characterized modern transfer dealings, particularly for players who have excelled in Europe’s top five leagues. For Manchester City, such an investment would represent a statement of intent regarding their commitment to maintaining their position at the pinnacle of European football.

The timing of City’s interest is particularly significant given their recent midfield transitions. The club’s ongoing evolution under Guardiola requires constant refinement of their playing personnel, and Reijnders’ skill set appears to align perfectly with their future tactical requirements. His ability to contribute both defensively and creatively makes him an ideal candidate for Guardiola’s system, which demands such versatility from its midfield components.

The Ibiza Cancellation

Perhaps the most telling development in this unfolding saga was Reijnders’ decision to cancel his planned family vacation to Ibiza. According to reports from Corriere dello Sport, the midfielder had arranged this getaway as an opportunity to decompress after what had been described as a demanding season both physically and psychologically. The cancellation of such personal plans typically indicates that significant professional developments are imminent.

The psychological aspect of Reijnders’ need for recovery speaks to the intensity of his debut Serie A campaign with Milan. Adapting to Italian football while meeting the expectations associated with playing for one of the world’s most prestigious clubs undoubtedly created substantial pressure. His decision to prioritize potential transfer discussions over personal recovery time suggests that the Manchester City opportunity represents something he considers unmissable.

Family vacations in professional football often serve as crucial bonding opportunities, particularly for players who spend extensive periods away from home during the season. Reijnders’ willingness to sacrifice this time with his family indicates the magnitude of the decision he faces regarding his future. Such choices rarely occur without substantial external pressure or exceptional opportunities.

The Ibiza cancellation also reflects the accelerated timeline that characterizes modern transfer dealings. In an era where clubs must complete their business efficiently to comply with various regulations and deadlines, players often find themselves making rapid decisions that significantly impact their personal lives. Reijnders’ situation exemplifies this reality, where professional opportunities can suddenly supersede carefully laid personal plans.

Milan’s Broader Context

AC Milan’s current situation adds layers of complexity to the Reijnders transfer speculation. The club’s failure to qualify for European competition next season represents a significant blow to their ability to retain top-tier talent. Players of Reijnders’ caliber typically expect to compete at the highest level, including participation in the Champions League or Europa League.

The absence of European football creates both financial and sporting challenges for Milan. Financially, the loss of European competition revenue impacts their ability to compete with clubs like Manchester City in terms of salary offerings and transfer fees. Sportingly, the lack of European fixtures reduces the appeal of remaining at San Siro for ambitious players seeking to test themselves against elite opposition.

Milan’s recent appointment of Igli Tare as sporting director represents an attempt to address these challenges through strategic restructuring. Tare’s reputation for identifying and developing talent could prove crucial in navigating the potential departure of key players like Reijnders. However, his influence may come too late to impact the current transfer window’s most significant decisions.

The club’s broader transfer strategy must now account for the possibility of losing one of their most important players. Reijnders’ departure would create both a tactical void and a significant revenue opportunity, as the reported €70 million fee would provide substantial resources for squad reconstruction. However, replacing a player of his quality and versatility presents considerable challenges in the current market.

Fan Reaction and Community Impact

The Milan faithful’s reaction to the Reijnders speculation reflects the broader frustration surrounding the club’s recent trajectory. Comments from supporters reveal deep concerns about the potential exodus of key players, with some fans expressing fears that Reijnders’ departure could trigger a domino effect involving other stars like Mike Maignan, Theo Hernandez, Rafael Leao, and Christian Pulisic.

These concerns are not unfounded given Milan’s recent history of losing key players during transitional periods. The club’s supporters understand that competing with Premier League clubs for player retention requires resources and ambition that have sometimes been lacking in recent years. The prospect of losing Reijnders to Manchester City symbolizes these broader challenges in maintaining competitiveness at the highest level.

However, other supporters have adopted a more pragmatic approach, acknowledging that players cannot be blamed for seeking opportunities with clubs competing in Europe’s premier competitions. This perspective reflects a mature understanding of modern football’s realities, where loyalty must be balanced against professional ambition and financial considerations.

The community’s response also highlights the emotional investment that supporters make in individual players. Reijnders’ rapid integration into Milan’s tactical system and his visible enjoyment of playing for the club had endeared him to the fanbase. His potential departure represents not just a tactical loss but an emotional blow to supporters who had begun to see him as a cornerstone of the club’s future.

Tactical Implications

From a tactical perspective, losing Reijnders would represent a significant challenge for Milan’s coaching staff. Throughout the 2024-25 season, the Dutch midfielder demonstrated remarkable versatility, operating effectively in various midfield roles and contributing both defensively and offensively. His ability to press high, distribute effectively, and arrive in dangerous positions made him integral to Milan’s tactical approach.

Reijnders’ statistical output throughout the season justified his recognition as Serie A’s best midfielder. His combination of tackles, interceptions, passes completed, and goals contributed painted the picture of a complete modern midfielder. These numbers also explain why clubs like Manchester City view him as worth such a substantial investment.

The challenge for Milan lies in replacing not just Reijnders’ statistical contributions but also his tactical intelligence and adaptability. Modern football increasingly demands players capable of fulfilling multiple roles within the same match, and Reijnders exemplified this evolution. Finding a replacement with similar versatility in the current market would likely require a significant portion of any transfer fee received.

His departure would also impact Milan’s tactical flexibility, as his presence allowed for various formation adjustments during matches. This adaptability proved crucial during the 2024-25 campaign, enabling Milan to respond to different opponents and match situations effectively.

The Transfer Market Context

The Reijnders situation unfolds within a broader transfer market context characterized by inflated valuations and intense competition for proven talent. The €70 million figure associated with his potential move reflects current market realities, where clubs must pay premium prices for players who have demonstrated consistent performance at the highest level.

Manchester City’s interest also highlights their continued commitment to squad improvement despite their recent successes. Guardiola’s approach to squad management involves constant evolution, ensuring that his team maintains its competitive edge through strategic additions. Reijnders represents the type of signing that could provide both immediate impact and long-term value.

For Milan, navigating this transfer market requires balancing financial pragmatism with sporting ambition. The potential windfall from Reijnders’ sale could fund multiple acquisitions, but the challenge lies in ensuring that any replacements maintain the team’s competitive level while potentially reducing overall squad costs.

The timing of this potential transfer also reflects the compressed nature of modern transfer windows, where clubs must make rapid decisions to secure their preferred targets. This urgency often leads to the type of speculation and rapid developments that have characterized the Reijnders situation.

Looking Forward

As this transfer saga continues to unfold, multiple factors will influence its ultimate resolution. Reijnders’ personal ambitions, Milan’s financial considerations, Manchester City’s persistence, and the broader market dynamics will all play crucial roles in determining the outcome.

The next few weeks will likely prove decisive, as clubs typically prefer to complete major transfers early in the window to allow for proper integration and potential replacement signings. For all parties involved, the stakes are considerable, with decisions made now potentially shaping their respective trajectories for years to come.

Regardless of the ultimate outcome, the Reijnders situation has already highlighted the challenges facing traditional football powers in the modern era. The balance between maintaining competitive squads and operating within financial constraints requires constant navigation, and cases like this exemplify the complexity of contemporary football management.

The story of Tijjani Reijnders and AC Milan serves as a microcosm of modern football’s broader dynamics, where individual talent, club ambitions, and market forces intersect to create narratives that extend far beyond the confines of any single transfer deal.