'I'm happy': Liverpool and Tottenham moves ruled out until 2028, £17m star says he's going nowhere

Yesterday at 02:45 PM

As Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City pursue one of Europe’s most in-form midfielders, the message sent to the Premier League trio could hardly be any clearer.

If you are thinking about a January bid – or even a summer one – then don’t bother.

Not only is Tijjani Reijnders loving life in Milan, the £17 million signing from AZ Alkmaar is focusing not on another multi-million transfer but a contract extension. One that, Reijnders says, could see him commit his future to the San Siro outfit until 2028 at the earliest.

TBR understands that Manchester City are big admirers of Reijnders. With Kevin de Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Matteo Kovacic all the wrong side of 30, a new playmaker is likely to be one of the champions’ top priorities in the coming windows.

Tottenham and Liverpool are keeping tabs on Reijnders too, having tracked the Zwolle-born 26-year-old since the days when he was swaggering through Eredivisie opposition with those trademark driving runs from deep.

But, after Reijnders’ father admitted that staying in Milan is the priority, this week it was the man himself who moved to keep the speculation at arms’ length.

Tijjani Reijnders rules out Tottenham or Liverpool switch

“We are discussing the renewal at the moment, but I can’t say more. However, I see myself at Milan until I’m in my 30s,” Reijnders tells Gianluca di Marzio, all the while insisting that the Serie A title is still achievable heading into 2025.

“It’s one of the most beautiful clubs in the world and it’s an honour to play there. Wearing [the legendary Johan] Cruijff’s number 14 shirt is very special, and I’m happy in Milan.

“I don’t think it’s too late for the Scudetto. Milan is evolving as a team and things will improve.”

While more renowned for his silky smooth ball-carrying talents than his eye for goal, Reijnders has hit the target six times for club and country so far in 2024/25. As such, he is almost certain to make this the most prolific season of his career.

AC Milan set to hand Reijnders a new deal

Martin Reijnders, who doubles up as Tijjani’s agent as well as his dad, confirmed to De Telegraaf earlier this month that initial talks over a new deal at seven-time European champions Milan were underway.

"It's truly a grand gesture. Only the great clubs do this," Reijnders Sr said. "Tijjani feels at home in the club and the city. He's moved by Milan's appreciation for him."

“I think he is the player who has grown the most in a short time,” adds Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Milan icon who now works as an advisor to Rossoneri owners RedBird, speaking to the official Champions League magazine.

“He arrived from Holland, from the great work done at AZ, and he is doing an exceptional job. He has become an important player for the team, for the club and for his national team, proving to be a high-level [player].

“He is doing a great job. We are very satisfied with him, and he must continue like this. Like every Milan player, however, he will be remembered for what he wins.

“If you don’t win, you are not remembered.”