AC Milan and Ardon Jashari: Rossoneri Told to Raise the Stakes as Club Brugge Hold Firm

Club Brugge playing hardball over Ardon Jashari as AC Milan push for breakthrough in club-record deal

AC Milan’s summer rebuild is in full swing, but their hopes of landing Swiss midfield dynamo Ardon Jashari have hit a snag. With Club Brugge refusing to green-light a deal, the Serie A giants may have to up their game—or walk away entirely.

According to Calciomercato, Milan submitted a formal offer of €35 million for the 22-year-old Swiss international, a figure that would represent a significant investment by the Rossoneri. However, the Belgian outfit have so far declined to respond definitively, employing what appears to be a calculated strategy aimed at squeezing out a bigger payday.

Club Brugge, fresh off their 2024–25 Belgian Cup triumph, are reportedly holding out for a package closer to €40 million including variables. If their valuation is met, it would make Jashari the most expensive sale in the club’s history—a marker of how highly they rate the midfielder and how much leverage they believe they currently possess.

AC Milan’s midfield transformation under Allegri

This isn’t just any transfer for Milan—it’s part of a carefully plotted overhaul being overseen by returning manager Massimiliano Allegri. After a disappointing campaign last season that saw the club finish outside the Champions League places, Milan are determined to reassert themselves both domestically and in Europe.

Their midfield is being reshaped significantly, with Samuele Ricci already on board from Torino and the impending arrival of Real Madrid icon Luka Modric expected to bring experience and stability. But it’s Jashari who is seen as the beating heart of the new-look midfield. At just 22, he offers dynamism, vision, and tactical maturity well beyond his years—a rare package that Milan believe could anchor their midfield for seasons to come.

Sporting director Igli Tare, who has taken the reins in Milan’s recruitment drive, considers Jashari a priority signing and reportedly views the €35 million bid as a final and non-negotiable offer. But Brugge are standing firm.

Brugge’s stance: business or brinkmanship?

Ardon Jashari Club Bruges milan

From Club Brugge’s perspective, their approach makes sense. Jashari is one of the hottest young midfielders in Europe, and interest in his signature extends beyond Milan. While no other official bids have been tabled to match Milan’s proposal, the Belgian club knows full well that the longer they hold out, the greater the chance that other contenders—perhaps from the Premier League or Bundesliga—might enter the fray.

Moreover, Brugge have no urgent need to sell. Their financial position is stable, their European qualification for next season is secured, and their sporting project remains attractive. For them, this is about maximizing the return on a prized asset. And if that means testing Milan’s patience, so be it.

There’s also a personal connection at play: Milan are counting heavily on Jashari’s own desire to join the Rossoneri project. Tare reportedly has strong ties with the player’s entourage, including his family, and that relationship could yet tilt the balance in Milan’s favour.

A deal with a deadline

Time, however, is a factor. AC Milan are not willing to be strung along indefinitely. Sources close to the club suggest that a soft deadline has been placed on the negotiations. If no agreement is reached within the next week or so, Milan may pivot to other targets.

The Italian giants do not want to enter the new season without their core squad in place. With pre-season underway and the Serie A kick-off looming in mid-August, Allegri and Tare are eager to conclude their business early. There’s also the Modric situation to consider—if that deal falls through, Jashari becomes even more crucial.

On the flip side, Brugge’s reluctance to close a deal quickly could backfire. If Milan pull out and no other suitable offers materialize, the Belgian side may find themselves with a discontented player and a missed opportunity.

Who is Ardon Jashari?

Modric Ricci Jashari

For those less familiar with Jashari’s game, he’s a midfielder cut from the modern cloth: technical, aggressive, and versatile. A product of the FC Luzern academy, he made his name in the Swiss Super League before making a big-money switch to Club Brugge in 2023.

Since then, he’s been one of the standout performers in the Belgian top flight. With his intelligent positioning, ability to carry the ball through pressure, and knack for threading passes between the lines, Jashari has become a midfield metronome for Brugge. He was instrumental in their cup-winning campaign, often dictating tempo and bringing structure to the side’s play in big matches.

At international level, Jashari has quietly established himself as a key piece for Switzerland’s next generation, earning regular call-ups and growing into his role with each appearance.

What happens next?

As things stand, the ball remains in Brugge’s court. Milan’s stance appears firm—they’ve made their offer, and they’re not budging. Whether that’s posturing or a genuine walkaway number remains to be seen.

The allure of playing at San Siro, under a tactician like Allegri, and alongside stars like Rafael Leão, Theo Hernandez, and Mike Maignan may ultimately sway Jashari to push for the move himself. But Brugge know this too—and they may just be waiting for that player-driven pressure to tilt the scales their way.

One thing’s certain: if this deal does go through, it’ll be a signal of Milan’s intent to build a squad not just for now, but for the future.