Xhaka to AC Milan: Leverkusen Braces for More Departures
Alternative Midfield Pairing Strategically Crafted by AC Milan
Ready for another blow, Leverkusen? Rumors are swirling that Granit Xhaka might be joining AC Milan. The Swiss midfielder, who's been a stalwart for the German vice-champs, has reportedly shown keen interest in a move to Lombardy, according to Italian newspaper "Gazzetta dello Sport."
If the transition indeed happens, the 32-year-old Xhaka could line up alongside Luka Modric in AC Milan's midfield - a match made in football heaven! Milan's sporting director, Igli Tare, seems to have his sights set on his new recruit. With Modric's move to Milan supposedly on the horizon, the signing of the Croatian legend is expected to occur in the coming days.
Leverkusen has been hit hard by the departure boat. They've already lost Xabi Alonso, Jonathan Tah, and Jeremie Frimpong, with the imminent transfer of Florian Wirtz to Liverpool looming. This leaves Xhaka's future at the club uncertain. In a recent interview, Xhaka noted that the departures demand "a lot of energy," acknowledging that he's not getting any younger, being 33 in September.
AC Milan might have a trick up their sleeve to secure Xhaka's signature. The Italian giant is willing to involve defender Malick Thiaw in the transfer negotiations. Thiaw, a three-time German national player, joined Milan in the 2022/23 season from Schalke 04. If the transfer goes through, Thiaw could fill the void left by Jonathan Tah's move to Bayern Munich.
Xhaka's move to AC Milan is a plausible scenario, given his openness and AC Milan's eagerness to secure the transfer. However, Leverkusen is reluctant to sell due to the recent string of player departures.
Sources: ntv.de, tno/dpa/sid
Florian WirtzBayer 04 LeverkusenAC MilanLuka ModricFootball Bundesliga
[1] Gazzetta dello Sport - Xhaka to AC Milan: Negotiations to begin this week[2] DPA - Xhaka wrestles with decision to leave Leverkusen for AC Milan[3] Corriere dello Sport - AC Milan sets sights on Xhaka[4] La Gazzetta dello Sport - Xhaka has given the green light for the move to Milan[5] Calciomercato.com - Xhaka's desire for a new challenge could push through the transfer to AC Milan amidst Leverkusen's reluctance to sell.
The Commission has not yet adopted a decision on the application of the Regulation concerning Granit Xhaka's potential transfer to AC Milan, as the German midfielder contemplates a move from Bayer Leverkusen to the Italian club. This potential move, if approved, would allow Xhaka to display his skills in football, possibly partnering with Luka Modric in AC Milan's midfield.
