Former Rangers defender Bert Konterman has told NOS that he player a role in stopping Michael Beale’s side from bringing Tijjani Reijnders to Ibrox.
In 2017, the midfielder initially joined AZ Alkmaar’s reserve team before he made his first team debut a year later. He had to wait until the 2021/22 season to feature regularly for their senior side, where he managed six goals and two assists from 47 games.
Reijnders’ fine form caught Rangers’ attention and they were keen on bringing the 25-year-old to Ibrox in the summer of 2022.
Konterman handed Reijnders his debut for the Netherlands U20 and also played alongside his father, Martin, during his playing career. The connection between the ex-Rangers man and the player’s father was crucial in blocking Michael Beale’s side from signing Tijjani a year ago.
“Rangers, my old club, wanted him. Martin asked me what was wise. I thought it was wiser to stay at AZ. Rangers are a big club, but he was not ready at AZ yet and maybe even bigger clubs would come in a year,” he said.
Tijjani’s decision to snub Rangers worked in his favour as he completed a move to AC Milan this summer, and Konterman is pleased the Netherlands international didn’t make a switch to Ibrox in 2022.
“Moreover, I thought he would fit better in Spanish or Italian football. Fortunately, that came true. It’s a good thing he didn’t go. His patience has definitely been rewarded. He had a fantastic year at AZ and now plays for AC Milan,” Konterman explained.
Tijjani has made three appearances this season for Milan.
