Zlatan Ibrahimovic call played role in Ardon Jashari transfer as midfielder was left 'broken' amid transfer stand-off with AC Milan

After a prolonged 54-day transfer saga, Jashari has officially become an AC Milan player. The 23-year-old midfielder's move from Brugge was finally sealed with a deal worth a fixed sum of €34 million (£29m/$39m) plus €3m in achievable bonuses. The agreement came after weeks of tense negotiations and was Milan's third bid for the player, following rejections of their initial offers. 

Jashari’s transfer was far from straightforward, evolving into a bitter stand-off between the player and  Brugge. The midfielder, fresh off a season where he won both the Belgian Pro League Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards, had extended his contract in January. However, his attitude changed drastically after it became clear that his "absolute dream club," Milan, had entered the race for his signature. The emotional pull was further strengthened by a personal phone call from Milan's sporting advisor, Ibrahimovic, who laid out the club’s plans for him, according to Het Laatste Nieuws. The report adds that during the stand off, Jashari looked "broken" as he feared the deal would not go through.

The high-stakes standoff over Jashari saw Brugge sticking to their terms while fending off Milan, Chelsea, and Bayer Leverkusen’s interest. Milan’s board, media and fans intensified the push with the #FreeJashari campaign, but the breakthrough reportedly came during Jashari’s trip to North Macedonia for his brother’s wedding, as his absence from the club eased tensions and enabled talks between the Belgians and Milan sporting director Igli Tare. 

After the immense pressure of the past two months, Jashari is excited for his new chapter. In his first interview with Milan's official media, he confirmed that joining the club was a "dream I've had since I was a child." He also revealed his excitement to play alongside "incredible players" like Luka Modric, whom he wants to learn a lot from. Jashari, who will wear the No. 30 shirt as a nod to both his professional start and idol Lionel Messi, has set his sights on helping the club win titles while bringing his creative and style of play to the midfield.