Tijani Reijnders has become a pivotal player for AC Milan, demonstrating his versatility and impact on the team’s performance. The Dutch midfielder has shown his ability to play multiple roles, from a defensive midfielder to an attacking playmaker, and even as a box-to-box midfielder for the national team.
In a recent revelation, Reijnders’ father, Martin, disclosed that his son turned down an offer from Barcelona in favour of joining Milan. Speaking to the Dutch newspaper Algemen Dagblad, Martin Reijnders said, “I advised my son to reject Barcelona. There, he would have been a reserve, and there was a risk of failure as has happened to many others. There were also requests from English clubs, but I only spoke with them through intermediaries. I only had direct contact with Barcelona, speaking with technical director Deco. I even checked his profile picture to verify it was really him.”
The elder Reijnders further explained the reasoning behind the decision: “Clearly, Barcelona’s interest flattered us, but they were looking for a replacement for Busquets, and I immediately told my son that he’s not that type of player, he doesn’t have the characteristics they were looking for. Before he knew it, he would have ended up straight on the bench, becoming yet another player who fails abroad.”
This decision has proven fruitful for Tijani, who has become an indispensable part of Milan’s squad. Manager Paulo Fonseca views Reijnders as a player with unique characteristics, and the club has placed him at the center of their project.
Reijnders’ adaptability has been on full display, with Fonseca often deploying him in front of the defense or in an advanced midfield role. His performances for the Dutch national team as a box-to-box midfielder have also caught attention, with many believing this could be his ideal position.
