England-Linked Ardon Jashari Set for AC Milan Switch Despite One Major Flaw

AC Milan close in on Switzerland international Ardon Jashari as former coach says midfielder is ‘from another planet’ — but not without a weakness

For all the glitz and glamour of football transfers, sometimes it’s the less flashy names that make the biggest noise when they finally arrive at their destination. That might just be the case with Ardon Jashari — a name many casual fans in England may not yet know well, but one that has lit up Swiss football and is now primed to take centre stage in Serie A with AC Milan.

After a summer of uncertainty and behind-the-scenes tension, Jashari is finally on his way to San Siro. The 23-year-old midfielder is expected to complete a €38 million (£33m/$43m) move from Club Brugge to AC Milan, putting an end to a rocky spell in Belgium that saw him frozen out of the squad after refusing to play in order to force the transfer. And while Milan fans are excited to welcome him into the fold, his former manager warns he’s not the finished article just yet — even if he already plays like a seasoned pro.

Jashari’s Rise: From Luzern to Milan via Club Brugge

Jashari move to Milan

Jashari’s journey to the Rossoneri has been far from straightforward. Born in Switzerland and of Kosovar-Albanian descent, he broke through at FC Luzern with a maturity well beyond his years. It was there that he caught the eye of Mario Frick, who managed him at club level and has nothing but praise for his former pupil.

“From another planet,” Frick said in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, referring to Jashari’s leadership qualities and footballing brain. “He’ll have a great career. He’s already on the pitch like a 30-year-old.”

It’s the kind of endorsement that turns heads, especially coming from someone who watched his development up close. And Frick’s praise didn’t stop there. According to him, Jashari was already the leader of the dressing room by the age of 20. He led by example, communicated well with teammates, and played with a calmness that belied his youth.

England Clubs Kept Tabs but Milan Got Their Man

Jashari had no shortage of suitors. Reports suggest Chelsea and Inter both made enquiries, and Neom — the Saudi Arabian mega project that’s rapidly expanding its sporting empire — also expressed interest. But for Jashari, there was only one club in mind: AC Milan.

The Rossoneri initially tested the waters with a €32 million offer plus €6 million in bonuses. Brugge, who had only signed Jashari a year earlier, rejected the proposal. Milan, perhaps sensing how much the player wanted the move, returned with an improved bid — and this time, Brugge finally relented.

Still, it wasn’t without drama. Jashari made his stance clear: he didn’t want to play for the Belgian side anymore. He was left out of Brugge’s Super Cup clash with Union SG, and again omitted from their league opener. It’s never ideal when a player effectively goes on strike, but Milan fans will likely forgive the messy exit if he lives up to the hype in red and black.

From Bruges to the Big Time: What Milan Can Expect

Ardon Jashari Club Bruges

Jashari landed in Milan on a private jet and touched down at Linate Airport on Tuesday, greeted by a crowd of eager supporters and flashing cameras. Medicals are scheduled, and once those are out of the way, the contract will be signed, and the next chapter of his career will begin.

He’ll join up with a Milan side already deep into their pre-season schedule. The Rossoneri are set to face Leeds United at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on August 9 — a game that could serve as Jashari’s first unofficial outing for his new club.

But what can Milan expect from the young midfielder? According to Frick, he’s quick, physically imposing, and tactically smart. “Whenever he can, he plays vertically,” the coach added. “I’m sure he’ll do the same in Italy.”

It’s that kind of direct, purposeful style that has likely appealed to Milan boss Paulo Fonseca, who will want energy and intent in the midfield. And while Jashari may not be a headline-grabbing name like Rafael Leão or Christian Pulisic, his arrival could be quietly transformative for the Rossoneri.

A Word of Caution: Jashari’s Weakness

For all the glowing references, Frick was honest enough to point out one area where Jashari still has work to do. “The only flaw is that he doesn’t score many goals,” he admitted. “But he has pace, he’s quick, and he’s physically strong.”

That lack of goals could be a sticking point in Italy, where midfielders are often expected to contribute in attack — especially in big games where fine margins count. However, if Jashari can provide stability, tempo, and vertical progression, Milan will likely be happy to take the trade-off.

Besides, plenty of legendary midfielders — from Gennaro Gattuso to Claude Makélélé — built entire careers without racking up big numbers on the scoresheet. If Jashari follows in their footsteps, he could still become a defining presence in the Milan midfield.

England Will Be Watching

Even though he’s not moving to the Premier League, Jashari’s name won’t be far from English radar. With Chelsea already linked and scouts from top clubs constantly monitoring Serie A, it’s easy to imagine him becoming a target for an English side down the line.

And with Switzerland set to compete at major tournaments, including a likely place in Euro 2028 hosted in part by England, Jashari may soon get the chance to impress on UK soil — whether in club football or on the international stage.

For now, though, Milan is home. And if his former coach is to be believed, Ardon Jashari is about to take Italian football by storm — flaws and all.