Who is 22-year-old Ardon Jashari? Midfielder wanted by Man Utd completes AC Milan move

The Belgian Jupiler Pro League continues to be one of the world's best division's for nurturing and developing talented young players. And one of the latest talents on the production line is 22-year-old Club Brugge midfielder Ardon Jashari. The Swiss international recently became the most valuable player in the history of the Belgian top-flight, boasting a €32 million market value. A number of Europe's top clubs have been competing for his signature this summer, but he has now completed a move to Italian giants AC Milan.

This Wednesday AC Milan confirmed he has signed on a long-term contract until 2030. The fee is believed to be a €39m package, consisting of a €36m initial fee plus €3m in potential add-ons. Manchester United had also held serious interest in Jashari. With expert insight from Belgium from a former Club Brugge scout and now TM Area Manager, here at Transfermarkt, we bring you more on the young midfielder, revealing his playing style, how he has developed in the Belgian top-flight, what his future may hold, and more.

What type of player is Ardon Jashari?

"Jashari is a versatile player who can play both as a defensive midfielder and a box-to-box midfielder," explains Bart Tamsyn - former scout for Brugge's second-team Club NXT and now Area Manager for Belgium. "Although he is not one of the tallest players, he is a ball winner and can keep possession in a duel. He also reads the game well and can pass the ball in the perfect spot. In addition, he knows how to infiltrate the opponent's box, as evidenced by the four goals he scored last season from a deeper position." When asked what player Jashari reminded him of Tamsyn brought up a former Arsenal midfielder: "If comparisons can be made, it is usually with Granit Xhaka. They are both Swiss, both distribute the ball from a deeper midfield position, both are good at ball recovery, and both are left-footed."

The Swiss international has made a huge impact in the Jupiler Pro League, after arriving from Swiss Super League side FC Luzern last summer for €6m. He helped his team reach the round of 16 of the Champions League and finish second in the league, and has already become a fan favourite at the club. "It took him a few months to earn a place in the team because he joined late in preseason due to international commitments," Tamsyn stated. "Once in the team, he quickly grew and proved his worth. Most Belgian football fans, friends and rivals alike, agree that he is the best player in the Belgian league, and his colleagues across the league voted him Player of the Season."

Will Serie A suit Ardon Jashari?

Interest from a number of top-five league clubs had ignited in Jashari over the past six months, but the player was only willing to move on for a club that is the right fit, which he has found in the red and black half of the San Siro. "Jashari was aiming for a stable top club for a transfer to take place, with Serie A and the Bundesliga always being his preferences." Bad news for Premier League clubs, as Tamsyn expands on: "Jashari has already declined Fulham's interest, and Manchester United were not an option either, as he considered the club too unstable at the moment."

"He was charmed by Borussia Dortmund's interest, but they ultimately chose Jobe Bellingham. The most concrete option was AC Milan. Jashari's exit will not only become Club Brugge's record-sale but the record departure for the entire league. "Club Brugge quickly realised that they could break the previous summer's record transfer fee of €33m (excluding bonuses) for Igor Thiago. An asking price of around €40m was quickly set for him. Jashari is also a very calm guy, very mature for his age."