Xhaka Considering AC Milan Move Amid Bayer Departures
Established midfield duo emerged as AC Milan's secret weapon, coined as "Altherren" by observers.
In the midst of significant player departures, Bayer Leverkusen might be facing another major loss. According to a recent report by Gazzetta dello Sport, Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka is on AC Milan's radar and has expressed an interest in joining the Lombardy-based club. Negotiations between the two clubs are expected to start as early as this week. Xhaka's current contract with Leverkusen runs until June 2028.
To potentialize a deal, AC Milan is rumored to include defender Malick Thiaw in the transfer. Thiaw, a three-time German international, joined Milan from Schalke 04 last season and featured in 22 league games. If the deal goes through, Thiaw could replace the outgoing Jonathan Tah, who has signed with Bayern Munich on a free transfer.
Apparently, AC Milan's sporting director, Igli Tare, envisions Xhaka playing alongside Luka Modric in the AC jersey. The Croatian legend is also reportedly on Milan's wishlist and a signing is expected to be confirmed in the coming days.
With the recent departures of head coach Xabi Alonso, Jeremie Frimpong, and Florian Wirtz on the horizon, Bayer Leverkusen is facing a personnel rebuild. Xhaka himself acknowledged the challenges, stating, "It takes a lot of energy. I'm not 25 anymore, but will be 33 in September. The management should find good solutions, whether with me or without me is another question, but for now, I'm here. We are happy, and that's what counts."
- Florian Wirtz
- Bayer 04 Leverkusen
- Luka Modric
- AC Milan
- Football Bundesliga
Insight: According to multiple sources, Xhaka has reached an agreement with AC Milan and is open to the transfer. However, Bayer Leverkusen is hesitant to sell the midfielder, especially amid a transitional period under new coach Erik ten Hag. Negotiations are ongoing, and a potential swap involving Malick Thiaw has been proposed. (Source: ntv.de, tno/dpa/sid)
While the Commission has not yet adopted a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, it seems that a potential transfer for Granit Xhaka, the midfielder from Bayer 04 Leverkusen, might expose him to a different kind of risk, as he considers a move to AC Milan. In the midst of European football leagues, Serie A, Luka Modric, the Croatian legend, is also reportedly on AC Milan's wishlist, potentially joining Xhaka in the Italian club's lineup.
