Ahead of a widely reported move to Major League Soccer, Nigel De Jong and AC Milan have agreed to part ways. The midfielder is now a free agent.
The team’s official Twitter account confirmed the news, wishing De Jong “good luck for your new challenges!”
This should make it easier for De Jong to join up with the LA Galaxy, as the MLS side have been heavily linked to the Dutch international.
End of the road
De Jong’s split from the club marks the end of a three-and-a-half year tenure at the San Siro. The midfielder had only appeared in five contests this season, after two seasons as a regular starter. In his five games this term, the veteran completed 85.5% of his passes while picking up a red card.
In the two seasons he spent as a regular for Milan, De Jong accumulated five goals and three assists in addition to a staggering 22 yellow cards. His departure leaves the Rossoneri with a central midfield grouping that includes the likes of Riccardo Montolivo, Juraj Kucka and Andrea Bertolacci. Andrea Poli can also operate in the center of the pitch.
Before joining Milan, De Jong spent time playing for Ajax, Hamburg and Manchester City.
Big-name addition
It has been widely speculated and reported that De Jong will join the LA Galaxy. Should he complete the move, the World Cup veteran will join a number of big-name additions. Former Chelsea and Arsenal defender Ashley Cole and Standard Liege veteran Jelle Van Damme have arrived to strengthen the team’s back line.
Defence will be crucial for the Galaxy, as the team employs plenty of offensive firepower with the likes of Robbie Keane, Steven Gerrard, Giovani Dos Santos, Gyasi Zardes and Mike Magee.
De Jong will likely add a physical, midfield presence to one of the most successful teams in MLS history.