Milan Eye Dortmund Outcast Reggiani as Gabbia Injury Crisis Deepens

FolioPitch.com – 21 October 2026 | AC Milan are closely monitoring the situation of Borussia Dortmund defender Luca Reggiani, who has fallen out of favour at the Bundesliga club, and the CM Gabbia s injury sees Milan turn to Dortmund youngster who is out of favour as the Rossoneri seek urgent defensive reinforcements. The Italian giants have been forced into the transfer market following a serious injury to Matteo Gabbia, which is expected to keep the centre-back sidelined until 2027. With the January window approaching, Milan have identified Reggiani as a prime target, and the CM Gabbia s injury sees Milan turn to Dortmund youngster who is out of favour narrative is gaining traction across European football circles.

Reggiani, 18, was once considered one of Dortmund’s brightest defensive prospects. Last season, he enjoyed a breakthrough campaign under then-manager Niko Kovac, making his Bundesliga debut in a win over Wolfsburg, starting in the Champions League against Atalanta, and scoring his first Bundesliga goal against Augsburg. His composure in possession and ability to build from the back earned him comparisons with Mats Hummels, and fans dubbed him the ‘new Hummels’. However, his fortunes have changed dramatically this term. The arrival of French teenager Joane Gadou from RB Salzburg for just under €20 million has pushed Reggiani down the pecking order. Gadou, 19, has immediately become a key figure in Dortmund’s rearguard, limiting Reggiani to just two first-team appearances – both in early September – totalling a mere 50 minutes against Hector Bremen in the German Cup and Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga.

Since then, Reggiani has not featured in Dortmund’s last five matches across the Bundesliga and Champions League. He has even been demoted to Dortmund II, the club’s second team, playing in their last two games, including a UEFA Youth League fixture in which he was substituted at half-time. The situation has prompted the young Italian to consider a change of scenery, and several clubs have begun to follow him. Milan’s interest is particularly strong, and the CM Gabbia s injury sees Milan turn to Dortmund youngster who is out of favour as the Rossoneri’s defensive options have been stretched thin by Gabbia’s long-term absence.

Reggiani is a profile Milan covet: young, physically strong, and with significant potential for development. The Rossoneri are not alone in the race, however. Southampton have shown strong interest, and a move to England remains a possibility. Everything will depend on developments between now and December. Reggiani is said to be happy in Dortmund but wants more playing time to continue his development. A winter transfer could be on the cards, and Milan are poised to pounce. The CM Gabbia s injury sees Milan turn to Dortmund youngster who is out of favour as the primary driver of the Rossoneri’s recruitment strategy, and Reggiani fits the bill perfectly.

From a tactical perspective, Reggiani’s ball-playing abilities would suit Milan’s system, which relies on defenders comfortable in possession. His ability to break lines with passes and carry the ball forward would add a new dimension to the Rossoneri’s build-up play. However, questions remain over his readiness for Serie A, given his lack of regular first-team football. At 18, he would be a long-term investment rather than an immediate fix, but Milan’s hand may be forced by the severity of Gabbia’s injury. The CM Gabbia s injury sees Milan turn to Dortmund youngster who is out of favour as a stopgap solution, but it could also be a shrewd piece of business for the future.

Dortmund, for their part, may be reluctant to sanction a departure. Despite his current lack of minutes, Reggiani remains highly rated within the club, and his relationship with Kovac is said to be good. However, with Gadou firmly established and competition for places fierce, Dortmund might be tempted to cash in on a player who is not currently part of their first-team plans. A loan with an option to buy could be a compromise that suits all parties. Milan would get their man, Reggiani would get regular football, and Dortmund would retain a degree of control over his future.

As the January window approaches, the situation is fluid. Milan’s scouts will continue to monitor Reggiani’s progress, and the club’s hierarchy will weigh up whether to make a formal approach. The CM Gabbia s injury sees Milan turn to Dortmund youngster who is out of favour as the most viable short-term solution, but the Rossoneri must act swiftly to fend off competition from Southampton and other suitors. Reggiani’s decision will ultimately hinge on where he believes he can develop best. For now, Milan remain in the driving seat, and the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the young defender swaps the Ruhr for San Siro.

In conclusion, Milan’s pursuit of Luca Reggiani is a direct consequence of Matteo Gabbia’s serious injury, which has left a gaping hole in the Rossoneri’s defence. The CM Gabbia s injury sees Milan turn to Dortmund youngster who is out of favour as the club’s preferred solution, and Reggiani’s situation at Dortmund makes a January move increasingly likely. While Southampton provide stern competition, Milan’s project and the promise of regular first-team football could sway the young Italian. The next few months will reveal whether this transfer saga reaches a successful conclusion for the Serie A giants.