The all-time most valuable player in Belgian League history
The Belgian Jupiler Pro League remains a premier division for spotting and nurturing young talent worldwide. One of the latest prospects making waves is 22-year-old Ardon Jashari, a midfielder from Club Brugge. The Swiss international recently achieved the distinction of being the most valuable player in the history of the Belgian top-flight, with a market value of €32 million. As a result, several elite European clubs sought his signature this summer, but he has ultimately signed with Italian giants AC Milan.
This Wednesday, AC Milan confirmed that Jashari has signed a long-term contract lasting until 2030. The transfer fee is reported to be around €39 million, including an initial €36 million plus €3 million in potential add-ons. Manchester United had shown significant interest in Jashari as well. To provide further insight, we consulted Bart Tamsyn, a former scout for Club Brugge’s second team and now an Area Manager for Belgium at Transfermarkt, to talk about the midfielder’s playing style, his development in the Belgian top-flight, and what the future may hold for him.
What kind of player is Ardon Jashari?
“Jashari is a versatile player capable of performing as both a defensive midfielder and a box-to-box midfielder,” says Bart Tamsyn. “Though he may not be the tallest player on the field, he is excellent at winning the ball and maintaining possession during duels. He possesses a keen understanding of the game and is adept at delivering passes to critical areas. Additionally, he can effectively infiltrate the opponent’s box, as shown by the four goals he scored last season from a deeper role.” When asked who Jashari resembles, Tamsyn referenced a former Arsenal midfielder: “If comparisons are to be made, I would say he is similar to Granit Xhaka. Both are Swiss, both excel in distribution from deep positions, both recover the ball effectively, and both are left-footed.”
Jashari has made a significant impact in the Jupiler Pro League since his arrival from FC Luzern for €6 million last summer. He played a key role in his team’s journey to the round of 16 in the Champions League and helped secure a second-place finish in the league, quickly earning a spot as a fan favorite. “It took some time for him to find his place in the team due to late arrival in the preseason, but once he settled in, he quickly demonstrated his value. Most Belgian football fans, including rivals, agree he is the best player in the Belgian league, and his fellow players voted him Player of the Season.”
Is Serie A the right fit for Ardon Jashari?
Over the past six months, interest in Jashari from various clubs in Europe’s top leagues has grown, but he was determined to move only if it was to the right club—one he has found in AC Milan. “Jashari’s goal was to join a stable top club, with Serie A and the Bundesliga being his top preferences.” This poses challenges for Premier League teams, as Tamsyn elaborates: “Jashari turned down offers from Fulham and deemed Manchester United too unstable for his liking at the moment.”
“He was intrigued by Borussia Dortmund’s interest but they ultimately opted for Jobe Bellingham instead. The most concrete option turned out to be AC Milan. Jashari’s transfer not only sets a record for Club Brugge but also represents the highest sale in the league’s history. The club realized they could surpass the previous summer’s record transfer fee of €33 million (excluding bonuses) for Igor Thiago and decided on an asking price of around €40 million. Jashari is a calm presence, exhibiting significant maturity for his age.”
