“I told my son that he does not have that profile" - Midfielder's father confirms they rejected Barcelona move in 2023

Dutch midfielder Tijjani Rejinders' father Martin Rejinder has confirmed that he advised his son to reject a move to Barcelona in 2023. He said that they felt it wasn't the right move for the midfielder as he would've found himself on the bench more often.

The Blaugrana were interested in signing Rejinders from AZ Alkmaar last summer following Sergio Busquets' departure. Sporting director Deco, who was not officially announced in his role back then, also spoke to Rejinders' representatives. However, the move never materialized and the midfielder joined AC Milan.

His father Martin Rejinders recently opened up on the failed move. He said that he believed it wasn't the right move for Tijjani as Barca were looking for Busquets' replacement. His son didn't fit that profile and could've found himself on the bench. He told Mundo Deportivo (via Barca Universal):

“I only had direct contact with Barcelona, talking to the technical director, Deco. I even checked his profile picture to make sure it was really him. It is clear that we are flattered by Barcelona’s interest.

"However, they were looking for a replacement for Busquets. I told my son that he does not have that profile. He is not that type of player with the characteristics they were looking for.

“I advised my son to reject Barcelona, there he would have been a substitute and risked failing, as has happened to many others. He would, sooner or later, have ended up on the bench, becoming just another player who doesn’t succeed abroad."

Since joining AC Milan last summer, he's made nine appearances across competitions, starting in eight of them. He's also provided two assists in that time.

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Barcelona prepare detailed return plan for injured midfielder: Reports

As per Mundo Deportivo (via Barca Blaugranes), Barcelona have laid out a detailed plan for Dani Olmo's return from injury. They want to ease him back into action and hope to have him match fit and sharp by El Clasico. They will face arch-rivals Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in LaLiga on October 26.

Barca have two games before they face Los Blancos. After the international break, they will host Sevilla in LaLiga on Sunday, October 20. They will then face Bayern Munich at home in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, October 23 before facing Real Madrid.

As per the aforementioned report, Barcelona are looking to give Olmo 30 minutes against Sevilla and 45 minutes against Bayern. He signed for the Blaugrana from RB Leipzig for a reported fee of €55 million in the summer. He has made just three appearances for them but has scored one goal in each of those games.

Barca could also have the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Gavi back after the international break.