GdS: ‘The true devils’ – why Pulisic and Reijnders are now worth €135m+
Christian Pulisic and Tijjani Reijnders both arrived in the 2023 summer transfer window, and they have taken less than two years to become AC Milan’s new leaders.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport write this morning, Pulisic was an American who arrived as a gamble. Chelsea paid over €60m in order to sign him from Borussia Dortmund, but then he left for less than one third of that price.
Reijnders meanwhile was a Dutchman known to the AZ Alkmaar fans but not even all Dutch supporters knew him, given that he didn’t make his first appearance for the national team until one month after joining Milan.
The new guard
Pulisic and Reijnders are the new Rossoneri guard. Both have been at the club for almost two years and are destined to stay even longer. The Milan that belonged to Fikayo Tomori, Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao no longer exists.
The driving forces are Christian and Tijji: not only because of their goals and assists (numbers that deserve a separate chapter) but because of their leadership, and also the consistency of their performance levels.
Pulisic was a silent talent, who showed himself especially in the simplest matches. In his first season with the Rossoneri, he scored just one goal in the Champions League and a whopping 12 in the league against Genoa, Frosinone, Sassuolo, Monza, Empoli, Verona, Lecce, Cagliari were all hit.
Basically, hurting the bottom half of the table was his speciality. This season, he scored four goals in the UCL and nine goals in the league. He scored against Inter and Fiorentina, and took the team by the hand when it was in danger of losing itself definitively.
A brace in the comeback against Lecce and an equaliser two days ago against Como paved the way for Reijnders’ winning goal. With the addition of six assists, he has become the midfielder who has been involved in the most goals in this league season: 15.
The evolution of the Reijnders is even more evident. In his first season, he amassed no goals in the Champions League and three in Serie A. This year he has multiplied everything by three: three in the Champions League (two vs. Club Brugge, one away against Real Madrid) and nine in the league.
The 26-year-old scored against Monza, Verona, Roma, Parma, Inter, plus two days ago against Como. These are the goals that have added points to Milan’s standings. If the European climb is still within reach, he has much of the credit.
Value and future
The value of both has also tripled: Pulisic is once again a player worth €60-65m, the same value as four years ago, and he is about to renew his contract until the summer of 2029 at a salary of €5m net per year. This will put him level with Leao on fixed salary, and deservedly so.
With Reijnders the numbers grow even more: Tijjani is not only a goal scorer and a great talent, but an all-round midfielder. Milan paid €20.5m to AZ, today he is estimated around €75m, but he is not for sale and just extended until 2030 with a pay rise to €3.5m net per year.
In a negative year, Milan can point to the growth of the pair as a success both in a sporting and an economic sense. They can grow even more too because they are versatile, capable of playing in any formation and – in the future – with any coach.
Topics
-
GdS: Milan must build around Pulisic and Reijnders core – numbers are clear
Christian Pulisic and Tijjani Reijnders helped AC Milan turn 0-1 down to 2-1 up against Como on Saturday evening. As highlighted by Gazzetta dello Sport, they make up the foundation of the ...Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Reijnders and Pulisic rescue Rossoneri: Player ratings for Milan-Como from Italian papers
Following AC Milan’s important 2-1 win against Como, the Italian newspapers have shared their verdicts on each player, with Tijjani Reijnders and Christian Pulisic named as the best. Pulisic got Mi...Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Pulisic helps rescue Milan again in comeback win
AC Milan staged a thrilling comeback to secure a 2-1 home win against Como in Serie A on Saturday, thanks to second-half goals by Christian Pulisic and Tijjani Reijnders.ESPN - 1d -
Pulisic scores again to help Milan fight back to beat Como 2-1 in Serie A
Christian Pulisic scored again on Saturday to help AC Milan earn another comeback victory in Serie A with a 2-1 home win over Como. Tijjani Reijnders set up Pulisic’s second-half equalizer before ...Yahoo Sports - 1d -
GdS: ‘The Diavolo’s pride’ – why Conceicao and Milan are not giving up on Europe
AC Milan are back in action at San Siro tonight against Como with one mission: win to keep the hopes of a European place alive.As La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) writes this morning, Sergio ...Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Source: Pulisic in talks over new AC Milan deal
United States national team star Christian Pulisic is in negotiations with AC Milan over a new contract, a source has told ESPN.ESPN - 1h -
Christian Pulisic scores two in win vs. Lecce as AC Milan turmoil continues under embattled Sergio Conceicao
The Rossoneri are set to appoint a new sport director while Conceicao's future is still being discussedCBS Sports - Mar. 8 -
Pulisic scores 2 to give Milan 'very important' win
Christian Pulisic was the hero for AC Milan on Saturday with his two goals helping the Rossoneri end a three-match losing streak in Serie A.ESPN - Mar. 9 -
Christian Pulisic tracker: USMNT star's season and career stats, video highlights
The American playmaker's first campaign in Serie A was a smash success, and Christian Pulisic has rolled that into another fantastic season with AC Milan.Yahoo Sports - 1d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
The Players Championship 2025 prize money: Full payout from the $25 million purse
Here's how the $25 million purse will be paid out this week at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.Yahoo Sports - 14h -
New York Giants will host QB Jameis Winston on a free agent visit
The New York Giants will host veteran QB Jameis Winston for a free agent visit in East Rutherford on Tuesday.Yahoo Sports - 32m -
NCAA Tournament - North Carolina vs. San Diego St. Predictions: Odds, Expert Picks, Betting Trends, and Stats
North Carolina Tar Heels vs. San Diego State Aztecs Game PreviewYahoo Sports - 32m -
Indianapolis Colts free agent signing a 'best' early free agency move
One of the Indianapolis Colts' free agent signings was named one of the "best" moves in early free agency.Yahoo Sports - 32m -
Rams DL Braden Fiske names one area where he wants to improve in 2nd NFL season
Braden Fiske was outstanding as a rookie for the Rams but he sees one area where he can improve in Year 2Yahoo Sports - 33m
More in Sports
-
Inside Newcastle United’s Long-Awaited Trophy Win
A text from a club legend, a different hotel and a halftime slideshow all contributed to the Carabao Cup victory.The New York Times - 26m -
Ranking M.L.B. Teams From First to Worst Before the Season Begins
There’s a clear favorite at the top of the league. Then the intrigue begins.The New York Times - 26m -
The Winners and Losers of N.F.L. Free Agency
There were few stunning team changes and jaw-dropping contracts handed out, a columnist for The Athletic writes.The New York Times - 26m -
Play Connections: Sports Edition. Tackle Today’s Puzzle.
Group sports terms that share a common thread.The New York Times - 26m -
A Beginner’s Guide to Filling Out an N.C.A.A. Tournament Bracket
No bracket is perfect, but these tips can help.The New York Times - 26m