Christian Pulisic has been one of the few bright spots in AC Milan’s turbulent 2024–25 season, which has seen its fair share of ups and downs. As the club looks to rebuild for next year, the USMNT star may lose a key teammate amid reports linking one of Milan stars to Manchester City.
Milan began 2025 on a high note by defeating Inter in the Supercoppa Italiana under new manager Sergio Conceicao. However, reports now suggest that the Portuguese coach may not remain with the club beyond this season. With Milan currently sitting eighth in Serie A, player departures are expected to be a hot topic, and several stars are already drawing interest from Europe’s elite.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Manchester City are keen to sign midfielder Tijjani Reijnders. The Citizens have reportedly made contact with Milan to express their interest in acquiring the Dutch international as part of their plans to reshape the squad for the 2025–26 season.
Although no formal bid has been submitted, City are said to be waiting until Milan’s Coppa Italia clash against Bologna on Wednesday—an opportunity for the Italian side to qualify for European competition—before resuming negotiations. Ornstein notes that City are “hopeful that an agreement can be reached to recruit Reijnders.”
Transfermarkt currently values Reijnders at €50 million. While Manchester City are also targeting Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz and Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, those pursuits are considered independent of Reijnders, leaving room in the squad for the Milan star.
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Reijnders joined Milan from AZ Alkmaar for €20 million in 2023 and quickly emerged as a cornerstone of the Rossoneri midfield. With 15 goals and five assists in 51 appearances this season, his departure would be a significant blow to Pulisic and the club’s ambitions moving forward.
Meanwhile, Manchester City—still reeling from an underwhelming 2024–25 campaign—see Reijnders as a key piece in their rebuilding efforts. Despite the possibility of missing out on European competition next season, City are confident in their ability to convince the Dutchman to make the move.
Reijnders would likely fill a role similar to that of Ilkay Gundogan, who recently extended his contract through 2026 but is now 34 years old. With his vision, passing range, and ability to carry the ball forward, Reijnders is viewed as an ideal fit for Pep Guardiola’s system and could offer fresh energy in the heart of midfield.
