Manchester City is actively pursuing Tijjani Reijnders, the talented midfielder from AC Milan, as a lead target in the upcoming summer transfer window, according to reports from The Telegraph. At the age of 26, Reijnders is considered a versatile player who can fulfill roles both as a central midfielder (No. 8) and in a more defensive capacity. This strategic interest from Manchester City comes as manager Pep Guardiola embarks on a necessary squad overhaul, particularly following a challenging season.
AC Milan anticipates interest in Reijnders, with the club valuing him higher than the £55 million fee that Newcastle United reportedly paid for Sandro Tonali. Furthermore, there are indications that Reijnders could command a fee that surpasses the club-record £57 million that Kaka fetched during his move to Real Madrid. The situation places City in a position where they must evaluate their options thoroughly this summer, particularly as they aim to rectify a dismal phase that saw them contend with a slew of defeats. The club has not yet secured a spot in the UEFA Champions League, which further complicates matters.
Guardiola has recognized the critical need to expand his squad, especially to incorporate players who can maintain fitness throughout a demanding schedule involving matches twice a week. Reijnders has proven his reliability by consistently starting for Milan at the San Siro over the past two seasons, showcasing his talents in consecutive Champions League campaigns.
In a parallel transfer narrative, Newcastle defender Sven Botman has emerged as a target for Paris Saint-Germain. However, according to The i Paper, the player is inclined to extend his stay at St James’ Park. The allure of UEFA Champions League football could play a crucial role in bolstering Newcastle’s negotiating position this summer, particularly concerning potential contract renewals with key players like Alexander Isak.
Several names on Newcastle’s radar, including Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, are known to prioritize playing in the Champions League for any future moves. While Isak’s situation garners attention, Botman’s future remains intertwined with Newcastle’s ambitions. The Dutch centre-back, who has recently made a comeback from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, has been characterized as a vital component of the club’s long-term strategy.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid has set its sights on Cristian Romero, the standout defender from Tottenham Hotspur, as reported by The Sun. The Spanish giants are keen on fortifying their defense ahead of the new season, especially with Trent Alexander-Arnold reportedly on the verge of joining from Liverpool. Incoming manager Xabi Alonso is rumored to be an admirer of Romero, believing he could play a crucial role in winning trophies for Madrid next season.
Last year, Madrid made a bold attempt to secure Romero’s services, but Tottenham showed no willingness to negotiate. Nonetheless, following a lackluster season that could leave Spurs fighting to avoid relegation from the Premier League, they may now be more open to allowing Romero to depart.
In another significant transfer development, Liverpool has reportedly engaged in advanced discussions with Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, aiming to replace Alexander-Arnold with the rising star. Frimpong played an integral role in Alonso’s squad that earned a Bundesliga and German Cup double last season and is projected to be available for under £30 million, aided by a release clause in his contract.
Frimpong’s versatility as both a traditional right-back and a wing-back strengthens Liverpool’s option to enhance their squad depth. Although initial speculation hinted at Conor Bradley possibly stepping up as Liverpool’s primary right-back, the club appears to be seeking further quality to foster competition within the ranks. Having enjoyed a championship season in Arne Slot’s debut year, Liverpool’s management is anticipated to be active in the transfer market after a relatively static previous year, reflecting the need for more robust squad depth to support their ambitions in the forthcoming campaign.
As these potential movements unfold, fans eagerly await developments regarding their favorite clubs in the upcoming transfer window while enjoying the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Conference League on TNT Sports and discovery+.