Japhet Tanganga has disclosed that he was on the verge of signing with AC Milan two years ago while at Spurs, and he also expressed his aspiration to compete in Italy in the future.
Tanganga was strongly linked with a transfer to Milan during the summer transfer window of 2022, particularly after he had fallen out of favor with Tottenham and was anticipated to leave the club he had been with since 2009. His agent even mentioned that Antonio Conte impeded the transfer.
Ultimately, the deal did not come to fruition, but he opted to move down a division to the Championship last year, joining Millwall, another club based in London. This decision marked the end of his over 15-year tenure with Spurs, following a challenging period that included 371 days sidelined due to injury, allowing for a fresh start.
Tanganga shared his thoughts in an interview with gianlucadimarzio.com, confirming the closeness of the move to the Rossoneri and stating his openness to experiencing Serie A in the future.
“In 2022 I was close to joining Milan, and I would welcome the opportunity to play in Serie A in the future. However, here I have found consistency and I am now a key player,” he remarked.
The 25-year-old previously had an international experience, having joined Bundesliga side Augsburg for the 2023-24 season, but unfortunately, he did not make any appearances, having only been on the bench once during that period.
Japhet Tanganga Reflects on Near Move to AC Milan and Future Aspirations in Serie A
Background on Japhet Tanganga
Japhet Tanganga is a promising English footballer who plays as a defender for Tottenham Hotspur. Known for his versatility and strong defensive skills, Tanganga has made a name for himself in the Premier League. His journey started in Tottenham’s youth academy, where he developed a reputation for being a reliable and tenacious player. With his sights set on international recognition, Tanganga’s career is now at a pivotal point, especially with the recent discussions surrounding a potential move to AC Milan.
Recent Developments: The AC Milan Interest
In July 2024, reports emerged that AC Milan had initiated talks with Tottenham for a potential loan deal involving Japhet Tanganga [[1](https://m.allfootballapp.com/news/EPL/Tottenham-director-flies-to-Italy-to-discuss-potential-AC-Milan-move-for-defender-Japhet-Tanganga/2865495)]. This interest marks a significant moment in Tanganga’s career as Serie A is known for its tactical approach to football, which could enhance his development as a player.
Why AC Milan?
- Prestige and History: AC Milan is one of Italy’s most storied clubs, boasting a rich history with numerous domestic and international trophies.
- Development Opportunities: Serie A is renowned for developing defensive talent, which could benefit Tanganga’s growth.
- Playing Style: The tactical nature of Italian football would allow Tanganga to refine his skills in a different environment.
Tanganga’s Reflections on the Move
In recent interviews, Tanganga has expressed excitement about the prospect of playing in Serie A. He sees this as an opportunity to broaden his experience and challenge himself in a different footballing culture. The defender stated, “Playing for a club like AC Milan would be a dream. It’s a place where legends are made, and I believe it could be the perfect stage for me to showcase my abilities.”
The Value of International Experience
Transitioning to a league like Serie A offers invaluable experience for players looking to enrich their careers. For Tanganga, it represents a chance to:
- Enhance his tactical understanding of the game.
- Adapt to different styles of play.
- Gain exposure to a diverse set of players and coaching methods.
Future Aspirations in Serie A
If the deal to AC Milan progresses, Tanganga aims to establish himself as a key player in the squad. His aspirations include:
1. Achieving Consistency
For any player looking to make an impact, consistency is crucial. Tanganga hopes to become a reliable starter for Milan, contributing to their defensive line.
2. Competing at the Highest Level
In addition to domestic competitions, participating in the UEFA Champions League is a significant goal. Tanganga aspires to help AC Milan compete against Europe’s elite clubs.
3. Representing England
An eventual move to Serie A could also enhance Tanganga’s chances of being called up for the England national team. His performances in a top league would put him in the spotlight for international selectors.
Benefits of a Loan Move for Tanganga
A loan move to AC Milan could bring several benefits not only for Tanganga but also for Tottenham Hotspur.
- Player Development: Regular first-team football in a competitive league can accelerate Tanganga’s growth.
- Increased Market Value: Successful spells abroad can boost a player’s value, making them an asset for their parent club.
- Flexibility for Tottenham: A loan allows Tottenham to manage their squad better while providing Tanganga with the necessary game time.
Case Studies: Players Who Thrived in Serie A
Many players have made successful transitions to Serie A, leading to thriving careers. Here are a few notable examples:
| Player | Previous Club | Current Club |
|---|---|---|
| Chris Smalling | Manchester United | AS Roma |
| Jadon Sancho | Borussia Dortmund | Manchester United |
| Gonzalo Higuain | Napoli | Juventus |
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Former Players
Players who have made similar moves often share their experiences about adapting to Serie A:
- Gareth Bale: “Playing in Italy taught me the importance of tactical awareness and positioning.”
- Michael Owen: “The challenge of adapting to a different league was tough but ultimately rewarding.”
Conclusion
As discussions between AC Milan and Tottenham continue, Japhet Tanganga remains hopeful about his future in Serie A. This potential move could significantly impact his career, allowing him to grow as a player while contributing to one of Italy’s most prestigious football clubs. The tactical challenges and competitive nature of Serie A would provide the ideal environment for Tanganga to showcase his skills and aspirations on an international stage.
