Tijjani Reijnders is one of the best examples of AC Milan making smart moves in the transfer market in recent years. The Dutch midfielder performed well for the club and was eventually sold for a profit.​
In recent years, Milan’s mistakes in the transfer market have been more common than many had hoped. The club has often fallen below expected standards, despite spending more than any other Serie A side since RedBird’s arrival.​
As a result, the issue lies more with those making recruitment decisions than with those providing the financial backing.​
Reijnders remains one of the few transfer success stories from recent seasons, and many supporters still regret his departure. The midfielder was sold after signing a contract extension, and many believe the transfer fee was lower than it should have been.​
Reijnders on his Milan experience​
Speaking to the Players’ Tribune, Reijnders reflected on how he joined the Rossoneri and his experience at the club.​
“Dad encouraged me and told me that for every shot on goal, he would give me 50 euros. I scored six goals that season and two were in the playoffs to qualify for the Conference. The following year we managed to qualify for the competition and I took my wife to Zanzibar, dad called me and told me that Milan wanted me.​
“They scheduled a call for 7 pm on Saturday, June 24th. I was on a safari, it was endless and I almost missed it, blocked by two buffaloes. The call from Pioli and Moncada arrived on FaceTime with 10% battery left. Luckily my wife arrived with the power bank. Shortly afterward we almost got chased by another buffalo.”​
Playing for Milan…​
“I’m honoured to have played at San Siro with that team. I get goosebumps just thinking about it: the fans, the atmosphere, the dinners, the smoke bombs in the stadium, and the way you’re treated—it’s all incredible.​
“I remember that during a match where we were winning by a landslide, I looked around and the chant started, ‘It’s an emotion, it slowly builds up…’. You can’t get it out of your head.​
“During the medical, I thought it would be too much for me, I didn’t deserve it. Instead, in September, the call from the Dutch national team also came. The first season went well and we were fighting for the Scudetto, the second less so.​
“At Milan, I would have liked to win more than one Super Cup, the fans deserved it; but when City called, even my wife told me I couldn’t miss that train.”​
It has been reported that he could leave Manchester City already, and Milan has been mentioned as a possible destination. If he still wants to achieve more than winning the Supercoppa Italiana, he would likely be welcomed back with open arms.