AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has confirmed that he will undergo his medical on Sunday ahead of a move to Manchester City.
The 26-year-old played a starring role for the Rossoneri in a bitterly disappointing season last year, scoring 15 goals and providing five assists in 54 appearances across all competitions.
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Beyond his goal contributions though, his influence was vital in both phases given his energy, work ethic, tenacity and technical ability in possession made him an integral part of the side under both Paulo Fonseca and Sergio Conceicao.
In turn, we’ll miss his presence in the side moving forward, with Sky Sports reporting that the Dutch international is set for a move to Man City this month, in a deal said to be worth €55m plus add-ons.
While he’s currently on international duty with the Netherlands, Reijnders spoke on his future to the media and confirmed that he will travel to England on Sunday to complete his medical.
“I’m flying to Manchester in the morning and then I’ll be back in Zeist in the evening,” he said, as per Fabrizio Romano.
Having been one of our most important players last season and emerged as bright spot in a woeful campaign, it’s certainly disappointing to see Reijnders closing in on a departure, as it was felt as though he was one of the players that we should build around with Massimiliano Allegri taking charge this summer.
Instead, we’ll cash in and hopefully reinvest that transfer fee wisely to strengthen the squad, and filling the void in midfield will undoubtedly now become a priority for the club’s sporting director, Igli Tare, with a number of names being linked in recent weeks.
Milan are expected to do plenty more business this summer with speculation rife over outgoings and incomings, and so it’s hoped that we’re in a stronger position by the end of the summer to ensure that we’re significantly more competitive next season and beyond.
Losing Reijnders won’t help with that, but Milan will perhaps feel as though it’s good money for a top asset as we look to rebuild under Allegri, while our lack of European football next season will likely have been a crucial factor in the decision on both sides too.