AC Milan are looking for ways to reinforce the midfield with Tijjani Reijnders’ sale now imminent, and the latest idea is Granit Xhaka.
Reijnders is on his way to Manchester City in a deal that could make him Milan’s most expensive ever sale. In an article last night we explained why it is a bonus-heavy deal, but in truth all most fans care about now is who will replace the Serie A midfielder of the year.
Samuele Ricci of Torino has been heavily linked in recent weeks, while Sky’s most recent suggestion is Nicolo Rovella of Lazio. However, with a long way to go in the summer window, the Rossoneri will not rush their midfield rebuild.
Xhaka: The latest idea
The newest opportunity comes from the Bundesliga and more importantly Bayer Leverkusen, the team who were all-conquering (barring the Europa League final) in 2023-24 but have just lost Xabi Alonso as head coach.
Matteo Moretto writes on X: “Milan, Granit Xhaka idea. He is one of the profiles in the list to reinforce the midfield. Still no direct contact between the parties. The Swiss footballer is open to a new experience and could really leave Bayer Leverkusen in the summer.”
Xhaka, now 32 years of age and formerly of Arsenal, made 49 appearances across all competitions last season. He racked up nine goal contributions (two goals, seven assists) – all in the league – from a deeper-lying midfield position.
ChatGPT story of the day. Would be a good short term signing but I doubt he’s going to leave Leverkusen for a non UCL club at this point.
Modric, granit xhaka, next kimmich
No please, there are much younger and perspective positions on the market. Especially taking into consideration Xhaka is called Mister red-card.
i thought there was a time we were linked with Redondos son what happened to him
He’s on Inter Miami
I mean Brozovic is younger than him and twice the player. Still you should pair Modric with under 25 players not 30+…
Another used to be. Can we focus on someone who is good now? There are a lot of good mids in Italy and will prob be cheaper.
It’s what happens when you hire an SD who previously worked 12 years in world’s most famous retirement club.
He’d be a great signing.
He would bring toughness, tenacity, nastiness, personality, leadership.
How many times we heard Van Bommel’s name since Allegri got hired? He isn’t quite on the level of MVB but he is the same type of player.
Milan need experience in the squad. Most of the players are 26 or younger.
He was great at Bayer the last 2 seasons and we already know that he was pretty good at Arsenal.
10-15 mil transfer fee. Bring him in.
I’ll rather have him than Ricci.
I agree 100%, for you that know everything about football, when he moved from Arsenal, it took them about a year to properly fill in the gap (they paid over 100M) and during that season Xhaka was the key to give them the title, in that season he had either the best stats in europe or second best. As for the red cards, yes he gets them every once in a while (or did that when he was younger) bur brings something we do not have and never mind these slly comparisons with Brozovich or someone else. Xhaka gives instant change that we all need. At his age we get few more seasons out of him. Remember Pirlo, everyone thought he was done… think again Juve got the best out of him, not us
Yes, ideal with Modric. You are smoking some serious crack.
From Italians young prospects to Old players such Modric & Xhaka, thanks Tare & Allegri