From
MN:
Ardon Jashari is a concrete target for Milan. A Swiss international with Macedonian roots, the defensive midfielder could be a classic "Tare-style" signing – if it weren’t for the fact that Club Brugge, who own his rights, are already asking for top-club-level money. To get to know him better,
MilanNews.it spoke with Belgian football expert and former Red Devils international Walter Baseggio. Here’s what he had to say.
Walter Baseggio, what kind of player is Ardon Jashari?
"I saw him play in the Belgian Cup final against Anderlecht and he had a really good game. He reads passing lanes well, has a good left foot, and is versatile. He can play both as a defender and a midfielder."
What are your doubts about him?
"If he's used as a defender, he’s not very tall and can struggle against physically imposing forwards – particularly in one-on-one situations and aerial duels. That’s why I believe he’s best deployed as a midfielder."
He’s reportedly valued at €35 million.
"If Brugge really manage to sell him for €35 million, it’s a jackpot for them – considering they signed him for just €6 million a year ago. Right now, he’s not worth that kind of money, but he certainly has potential. He’s got quality, he’s played in the Champions League, and earned a call-up to the Swiss national team. It’s no surprise other clubs are interested in him."
The previous Brugge signing – De Ketelaere – didn’t exactly work out for Milan.
"When Milan signed De Ketelaere, I said right away they needed to give him time to adapt. Maybe it would’ve been better to loan him out and bring him back a year later. Milan rushed it – and they overpaid at that moment."
CDK clearly lacked personality. What about Jashari?
"Jashari doesn't lack personality. He’s grown defensively playing alongside Mechele and knows how to lead a backline. He’s got character, football IQ, and quality. But Milan – and Serie A in general – operate at a higher level. So if you’re going to spend that kind of money, you better be sure."
Would a stepping stone help Jashari?
"Jumping from Brugge to Milan isn’t easy to handle. But I understand that if you’re paying €35 million, it’s hard to justify loaning him out."
Is there a player you’d compare him to?
"As a defender in a back three, because of his ability to carry the ball and his passing, you could compare some of his traits to Bonucci – though Bonucci is taller and more physical. That’s why I think Jashari should play as a deep-lying midfielder, a regista."
Brugge also have another Milan target: Maxim De Cuyper.
"I really like him – I’ve watched him often, and he continues to improve. This season he made another leap in quality. He’s also been doing well with the Belgian national team. Strong left foot, solid defensively, and he loves providing assists. He has real quality and, in my view, is more ready than Jashari to make the big jump. De Cuyper has been playing at a high level in Belgium for 2–3 years now, so I think he’s ready. And in one or two years, he’ll be even better."