AC Milan will soon complete the signing of Luka Modric, but another signing is being targeted in the midfield rebuild: Granit Xhaka.
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Tijjani Reijnders left the Dutch national team camp over the weekend to undergo a medical ahead of joining Manchester City. As added by various journalists, the fixed base of the transfer is set at €57m, while there are an additional €14m in bonuses.
As we have previously explained, the bonuses will help Milan strengthen the 2025-26 financial year, but in the immediate there is an on-field issue to address: the need to rebuild the midfield once again.
Modric + Xhaka?
Modric’s arrival will become official soon as he will undergo medical tests in Croatia and sign a one-year contract with Milan that has an option for a second. The Croatian will then leave for the USA where he will play the Club World Cup with Real Madrid.
His arrival is part of the management and Massimiliano Allegri’s plans to bring substance, determination and tactical intelligence, as well as international experience and leadership.
As today’s La Gazzetta dello Sport (via MilanPress) writes, Xhaka also ticks these boxes and is highly regarded by Igli Tare. The 32-year-old is tied to Bayer Leverkusen by a contract until June 2028 with a salary between €2-2.5m net per season.
The cost of the transfer fee seems to be €15-20m, not a bargain price considering the age of the player. The management will try to lower that figure.