Report: Liverpool Weighing Up Move to Sign £17m AC Milan Star | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Bold Transfer Gamble: Tijjani Reijnders for Federico Chiesa?

Liverpool’s transfer landscape has been a rollercoaster of quiet windows punctuated by strategic moves. The summer signings of Giorgi Mamardashvili and Federico Chiesa demonstrated Arne Slot’s focus on specific needs. However, as speculation swirls around Liverpool’s interest in AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders, a new twist in Liverpool’s strategy emerges, with Milan Live reporting a potential swap involving Chiesa.

Chiesa’s Short-Lived Stay at Anfield?

The idea of offloading Chiesa so soon is certainly bold, especially since the Italian forward only joined Liverpool this summer. Injuries, however, have limited his game time, leaving fans yearning for the spark he was meant to bring to Anfield. “It’s a crazy idea,” Milan Live notes, highlighting just how unexpected it would be for Liverpool to consider parting ways with the Italian so soon.

Photo: IMAGO

Given Chiesa’s injury record over the past three years, Liverpool knew they were taking a gamble. His skill and reputation were enough to warrant the investment, but the frequent injury setbacks are increasingly hard to ignore. Could Reijnders, a rising midfield star at AC Milan, be the more consistent presence Liverpool need in the engine room?

Why Reijnders Could Be Key for Liverpool’s Midfield

Reijnders, valued at around £17 million, is regarded as one of Serie A’s most underrated talents. His robust performances for Milan have raised eyebrows, showing a potential that could make him a crucial addition to Liverpool’s midfield. Liverpool’s focus has remained on reinforcing the central positions, especially with the potential exits of key players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk looming.

“Reijnders might be too good to turn down,” Milan Live suggests, hinting at the impact he could bring to a Liverpool squad in need of depth and stability. For Slot, whose tactical approach relies on a dynamic and resilient midfield, Reijnders could be a valuable asset, providing a blend of defensive tenacity and creative spark that Liverpool fans have craved.

A Strategic Move or a Risky Gamble?

With Chiesa’s injury setbacks and Reijnders’ upward trajectory, the idea of a swap is enticing. Reijnders has proven himself ready for a major move, and Liverpool could be an ideal environment for the Dutch international to flourish further. This move could reshape Liverpool’s midfield, giving them a reliable player to complement the core strengths of the squad while offering flexibility for Slot’s evolving strategies.

If Milan is open to a trade, Liverpool may see it as an opportunity to recalibrate their roster, potentially saving on transfer fees while securing a midfield powerhouse. Yet, the emotional cost for fans who anticipated Chiesa’s flair cannot be overlooked. This is not merely a numbers game; it’s about meeting Liverpool’s needs for 2025 and beyond with the right balance of talent and resilience.

Statistical Analysis by Anfield Index

Tijjani Reijnders has quickly become one of Serie A’s standout midfielders, attracting interest from several top clubs, including Liverpool. This performance data, sourced from Fbref, sheds light on the AC Milan player’s skill set, breaking down his contributions in attack, possession, and defence. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Reijnders such an intriguing midfield prospect.

Strong in Progressive Play and Passing

Reijnders’ stats highlight his impressive ability in possession-based metrics, with percentile ranks above 90 in both progressive carries (96) and progressive passes received (96). His pass completion rate (84%) and progressive passes (84) also showcase his role as a connector in midfield, constantly moving the ball upfield and keeping Milan’s attack fluid. These strengths suggest that Reijnders would fit well into a possession-heavy team, where maintaining and advancing possession is key.

Creative Edge in Attack

Beyond his passing, Reijnders brings a creative spark, indicated by his shot-creating actions (91) and xAG (expected assisted goals) (70). His ability to create scoring opportunities places him among Serie A’s most effective chance-creators, as evidenced by high non-penalty expected goals (npxG) (76) and assists (64). These attacking numbers underline Reijnders’ potential as a dual-threat midfielder, one who can set up teammates or take chances himself.

Defensive Contribution Needs Improvement

One notable area for improvement in Reijnders’ game is his defensive contribution. His tackles and interceptions rate sits low (16), with particularly low marks in aerial duels won (5%) and blocks (4). While Reijnders excels in possession, these defensive stats indicate that he’s less effective when it comes to breaking up opposition play.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, this potential swap deal raises mixed feelings. On one hand, Tijjani Reijnders represents the reliable midfield presence that Liverpool has lacked in recent seasons. He’s shown his mettle in Serie A, proving to be an industrious, versatile midfielder with the skill to handle high-pressure matches—traits that Slot’s squad desperately needs.

However, the quick departure of Chiesa could feel like an unfinished chapter. Many fans were eager to see the Italian winger flourish at Anfield, and while his injury record is worrying, there’s still hope that he could shine with a full recovery. Liverpool supporters are likely wondering if it’s worth giving Chiesa another season to adapt and prove himself.

In a season where Liverpool is eyeing major titles, this potential trade-off with Milan feels like a make-or-break decision. Reijnders might indeed provide stability, but the allure of Chiesa’s star power remains. Ultimately, for many Anfield faithful, it comes down to balancing patience with the promise of immediate impact. Should Liverpool take this risk to gain a proven midfield gem, or stick with their initial investment in Chiesa? For now, fans can only wait and watch as Liverpool’s board mulls over the next step in their transfer strategy.