White smoke from San Siro: Reijnders extends his contract at AC Milan

Tijjani Reijnders will stay at AC Milan for a longer period. The Italian giants have revised the existing contract of the Dutch international. Reijnders is now tied to Milan until the middle of 2030.

White smoke from San Siro: Reijnders extends his contract at AC Milan Embed from Getty Images

Tijjani Reijnders has officially extended his contract with AC Milan, securing his future at the club until the summer of 2030.

This announcement, confirmed by the club on Monday, comes after weeks of speculation and growing reports in the Italian media, which had been hinting at a long-term agreement between the player and the Rossoneri. With this new deal, Milan not only strengthens its midfield for years to come but also rewards one of the club’s standout performers since the start of the 2023/2024 season.

Reijnders’ initial contract, signed when he arrived from AZ Alkmaar in July 2023, was set to expire in 2028. However, his rapid rise to prominence in Serie A, combined with his growing importance both on and off the pitch, convinced Milan’s management that a fresh agreement was needed one that not only tied him down for longer but also reflected his elevated status within the squad. The new deal extends his stay for an additional two years, keeping him at San Siro until June 2030, with a salary increase believed to be part of the package.

This extension is a clear recognition of the remarkable progress Reijnders has made since swapping the Eredivisie for the intense and tactically demanding environment of Serie A. Signed for a fee of approximately €20 million, Reijnders was considered a smart, long-term investment but few expected him to become a central figure at Milan so quickly. Within weeks of his arrival, he established himself as a regular starter in Stefano Pioli’s midfield, impressing with his technical quality, tactical intelligence, and remarkable work rate.

Since making his debut, Reijnders has featured in 90 competitive matches for Milan, including 40 appearances already this season a testament to both his durability and his importance to the team. While his primary role is to dictate the tempo from midfield, his versatility has also allowed Pioli to use him in various positions, from deep-lying playmaker to a more advanced box-to-box role. This flexibility has made him invaluable, especially in a squad that has had to cope with injuries and fluctuating form throughout the campaign.

Statistically, Reijnders has contributed 16 goals across all competitions an impressive tally for a midfielder adjusting to a new league. But his impact goes far beyond numbers. His calm presence in possession, combined with his intelligent positioning and ability to transition between defense and attack, has made him a vital cog in Milan’s system. Whether Milan is controlling possession against smaller sides or trying to hold its own in high-intensity clashes with Serie A’s elite, Reijnders has consistently proven reliable.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia after the extension was made official, Reijnders expressed both pride and gratitude. “I’m proud to have extended my contract. Milan feels like family to me, and I’m excited for the years ahead,” he said. What made his statement even more appreciated by fans was the fact that he delivered it first in English, and then repeated the message in Italian a clear sign of his integration into the club’s culture. Reijnders ended his interview with a promise: to give everything in his power to help Milan return to winning ways after a challenging period in the league.

Milan’s decision to secure Reijnders long-term also fits into a broader strategy the club has been following under its current management locking down core players to build a stable foundation for future success. Alongside stars like Rafael Leão and goalkeeper Mike Maignan, Reijnders is now part of a key group of players Milan sees as essential for the coming years. This proactive approach aims to avoid the kind of uncertainty that has hurt the club in the past, where key players were allowed to run down their contracts and leave for free.

For Reijnders, this extension is not just a reward for his performances it’s a statement of belief in his potential to become even better. At 26 years old, he is entering his prime, and Milan sees him not just as a vital player for today, but as a leader for the future. His growth also mirrors Milan’s current transfer strategy, which prioritizes smart scouting and targeted signings rather than expensive, high-risk deals. In Reijnders, Milan has found a player who combines technical skill, tactical intelligence, and strong character all qualities that fit the modern Milan DNA.

As Milan continues its project to return to the top of Italian and European football, keeping players like Reijnders at the club long-term is crucial. The road back to consistent titles and Champions League success is long, but with players like Reijnders committed to the cause, Milan can feel confident that they are building on solid foundations.

Updated: 08:12, 3 Mar 2025

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