Barcelona was linked with a number of outstanding players during their search for a midfielder last summer.
Tijjani Reijnders was one such name, having just finished a spectacular season in the Eredivisie with AZ Alkmaar.
After Sergio Busquets left the club to join Inter Miami, the 24-year-old Dutch prospect was seen as a solid alternative to reinforce the defensive midfield position.
However, the Catalan giants ended up signing Oriol Romeu, while Reijnders agreed to terms with Serie A club AC Milan on a five-year contract.
Reijnders recently spoke with Voetbal International (via MilanNews), revealing that he was approached by Barcelona but chose to join the Rossoneri.
His motivations for moving to Milan
Reijnders remarked that he wanted to play for a club that catered to his strengths, citing Barcelona as an example.
“Football-related factors were critical in my decision.” I wanted to compete in a big tournament, but it wasn’t the only thing on my mind. “The role that Barcelona had in mind was less suited to my qualities,” he observed.
The midfielder revealed that AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli knew his skills perfectly, noting that he is at his best when charged with switching back and forth in an offensive midfield role.
“My strengths are in attacking midfield and switching back and forth.” In terms of club size, Milan and Barcelona are comparable.
“Speaking with Pioli, I discovered that the club had followed me all year, and the coach knew exactly what I could add to the team and had also been very clear about my role as an attacking midfielder,” he said.
He went on to explain how the Milan coach’s ideals appealed to him:
“Pioli is an offensive-minded coach; much of his training material focuses on football solutions and how to de-stress.” This also piqued my interest. Milan is a massive club looking to dominate matches in a massive competition.”
Barcelona is still waiting for a turning point.
Barcelona signed Oriol Romeu after missing out on a number of choices last summer, but the Spaniard has had an up-and-down season in Catalonia.
His inconsistent record, combined with his age, has resulted in the Blaugrana looking for a replacement pivot midfielder for 2024.
It will be interesting to watch who the defending La Liga champions recruit this summer.
