AC Milan Faces Shocking Blow as Manchester City Eyes Star Teammate of Christian Pulisic

Christian Pulisic has stood out as one of the rare gleams of hope for AC Milan in what’s been a rather rocky 2024–25 campaign. While the Rossoneri try to piece things back together for the next season, there’s a looming cloud over Pulisic’s squad — whispers that one of Milan’s key players might be packing up for Manchester City. Milan kicked off 2025 with a bang, snatching the Supercoppa Italiana from their rivals Inter under the guidance of Sergio Conceicao, but that optimism is clouded by rumors that the Portuguese boss could exit before the season ends. Sitting eighth in Serie A, Milan’s locker room is bracing for exits as Europe’s top clubs circle their standout talents. Among the names catching fancy is midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, whose stock is rising sharp as Manchester City reportedly eye him for their squad overhaul ahead of the 2025–26 season. No formal offers yet, but City seem poised to swoop once Milan’s Coppa Italia fate against Bologna is clearer. Reijnders, valued around €50 million, has swiftly become indispensable at Milan since his 2023 arrival — a loss that would sting Pulisic and the club’s rebuilding plans alike. As City grapples with a less-than-stellar season, they see Reijnders as a linchpin to reviving their midfield dynamics under Pep Guardiola’s watchful eye. This transfer saga is just heating up — and the fallout could reshape both clubs’ futures. LEARN MORE

Christian Pulisic has been one of the few bright spots in AC Milan’s turbulent 2024–25 season, which has seen its fair share of ups and downs. As the club looks to rebuild for next year, the USMNT star may lose a key teammate amid reports linking one of Milan stars to Manchester City.

Milan began 2025 on a high note by defeating Inter in the Supercoppa Italiana under new manager Sergio Conceicao. However, reports now suggest that the Portuguese coach may not remain with the club beyond this season. With Milan currently sitting eighth in Serie A, player departures are expected to be a hot topic, and several stars are already drawing interest from Europe’s elite.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Manchester City are keen to sign midfielder Tijjani Reijnders. The Citizens have reportedly made contact with Milan to express their interest in acquiring the Dutch international as part of their plans to reshape the squad for the 2025–26 season.

Although no formal bid has been submitted, City are said to be waiting until Milan’s Coppa Italia clash against Bologna on Wednesday—an opportunity for the Italian side to qualify for European competition—before resuming negotiations. Ornstein notes that City are “hopeful that an agreement can be reached to recruit Reijnders.”

Transfermarkt currently values Reijnders at €50 million. While Manchester City are also targeting Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz and Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, those pursuits are considered independent of Reijnders, leaving room in the squad for the Milan star.

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A major loss for Pulisic, a potential coup for Manchester City

Reijnders joined Milan from AZ Alkmaar for €20 million in 2023 and quickly emerged as a cornerstone of the Rossoneri midfield. With 15 goals and five assists in 51 appearances this season, his departure would be a significant blow to Pulisic and the club’s ambitions moving forward.

Meanwhile, Manchester City—still reeling from an underwhelming 2024–25 campaign—see Reijnders as a key piece in their rebuilding efforts. Despite the possibility of missing out on European competition next season, City are confident in their ability to convince the Dutchman to make the move.

Reijnders would likely fill a role similar to that of Ilkay Gundogan, who recently extended his contract through 2026 but is now 34 years old. With his vision, passing range, and ability to carry the ball forward, Reijnders is viewed as an ideal fit for Pep Guardiola’s system and could offer fresh energy in the heart of midfield.