AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has emerged as a summer transfer target for Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag.
Tijjani Reijnders, 25, joined AC Milan from AZ Alkmaar last summer in a deal worth around £16m and has been an instant hit, bagging two goals and as many assists in 24 Serie A games. The Dutchman has operated in various positions, including defensive midfield, central midfield and attacking midfield, in AC Milan colours, and such versatility has caught the eye of Erik ten Hag.
The Manchester United manager has reportedly made Reijnders a top target in the summer as he looks to bring the squad’s age down.
Are Man United seeking Casemiro’s replacement?
The return of Casemiro from a long-term hamstring injury has coincided with Man United’s upturn in form, with Ten Hag’s side unbeaten in 2024 across all competitions. Yet, the Brazilian defensive midfielder continues to be linked with a move away from Old Trafford, just 18 months after arriving in England.
Casemiro, who turns 32 later this month, enjoyed an outstanding debut season at Man United, helping the club win the Carabao Cup and finish third in the Premier League. Despite his advancing years, he remains a key player for Ten Hag’s side due to his leadership skills, experience, physicality and ball-winning skills. And while the Brazilian has shown signs of forming a strong partnership with young Kobbie Mainoo in central midfield since the start of the year, Ten Hag appears to be open to moving him on at the end of the season.
As a result, the Man United manager has identified AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders as a potential Casemiro replacement. In addition to Casemiro, players such as Christian Eriksen and Sofyan Amrabat are either not deemed good enough to compete at the highest level or have uncertain futures. At the same time, Mainoo needs time to develop into an established first-team player.
Ten Hag is understood to be impressed by Reijnders’ glowing form at Milan and his ability to play in various positions across the midfield. However, the Netherlands international’s contract doesn’t expire until 2028 and Milan would not consider bids below €60 million in the summer.
So, if Ten Hag really wants Reijnders to be in his squad next season, Man United must stump up a big fee to persuade Milan into selling the player.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
