Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester City have all reportedly been closely monitoring Tijjani Reijnders, one of Europe’s most in-form midfielders, but it appears that any hopes of securing his services in the near future have been definitively dashed. The £17 million signing from AZ Alkmaar, who has quickly become a standout performer for AC Milan since joining, has made his position crystal clear: He is going nowhere. Not in January, not in the summer, and certainly not before 2028.
Reijnders, who has been a revelation in Milan’s midfield, is thoroughly enjoying his time at the San Siro and is focusing on a future that is firmly rooted with the Italian giants. Instead of considering a move to one of the Premier League’s top clubs, the 26-year-old is in discussions with Milan to extend his contract, which could see him commit his future to the club until at least 2028. For the clubs chasing him—Liverpool, Tottenham, and Manchester City—this is a clear and unequivocal signal that they will have to look elsewhere for their midfield reinforcements.
Sources close to the situation suggest that Manchester City, in particular, has been an admirer of Reijnders. With several of their key midfielders—Kevin de Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and Mateo Kovacic—all approaching or over the age of 30, City is likely to be in the market for a new playmaker. However, Reijnders’ decision to stay in Milan effectively rules out any potential move in the upcoming transfer windows. Similarly, both Liverpool and Tottenham, who have tracked the Dutchman for years, will need to adjust their plans, as the player himself insists that he is focused on staying with AC Milan for the long haul.
In an interview with Gianluca Di Marzio, Reijnders reinforced his commitment to Milan, stating that he could see himself at the club well into his 30s. “We are discussing the renewal at the moment, but I can’t say more. However, I see myself at Milan until I’m in my 30s,” Reijnders explained, adding that he believes Milan’s Serie A title challenge is still very much alive, despite their recent struggles. “It’s one of the most beautiful clubs in the world, and it’s an honour to play here. Wearing Johan Cruijff’s number 14 shirt is very special, and I’m happy in Milan. I don’t think it’s too late for the Scudetto. Milan is evolving as a team, and things will improve.”
While Reijnders is known more for his silky ball-carrying abilities and excellent dribbling rather than his goal-scoring prowess, he has already found the back of the net six times for both club and country in the 2024/25 season. This makes it likely that this season will be his most prolific to date, further solidifying his value to Milan and increasing his stock among admirers. His performances on the pitch have not gone unnoticed, as he has quickly become a pivotal figure for the Rossoneri, showing his capacity to dominate games from midfield with both finesse and power.
Behind the scenes, Milan is already taking steps to ensure that Reijnders remains a key part of their future. His father and agent, Martin Reijnders, confirmed that negotiations for a new contract were well underway. Speaking to De Telegraaf, Martin said, “It’s truly a grand gesture. Only the great clubs do this. Tijjani feels at home at Milan and in the city. He’s moved by Milan’s appreciation for him.” This is a sentiment that has been echoed by none other than Milan legend Zlatan Ibrahimović, who now works as an advisor to Milan’s owners, RedBird. Ibrahimović, who has witnessed Reijnders’ rapid rise firsthand, praised the midfielder’s growth and his significant contributions to the team.
“I think he is the player who has grown the most in a short time,” said Ibrahimović, speaking to the official Champions League magazine. “He arrived from Holland, from the great work done at AZ, and he is doing an exceptional job. He has become an important player for the team, for the club, and for his national team, proving to be a high-level player.” Ibrahimović continued by stressing that while Reijnders is doing a fantastic job, his legacy at Milan will ultimately be defined by the trophies he wins. “He is doing a great job. We are very satisfied with him, and he must continue like this. Like every Milan player, however, he will be remembered for what he wins. If you don’t win, you are not remembered.”
In short, the message could not be clearer for Premier League giants like Liverpool, Tottenham, and Manchester City: Tijjani Reijnders is committed to AC Milan for the long haul. His remarkable performances and growth at the San Siro have earned him a secure place in Milan’s future plans, and as discussions for a new contract continue, it seems unlikely that any of the English clubs will be able to lure him away in the foreseeable future.
