Manchester City have reached an agreement with AC Milan for the signing of Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, marking their first major move of the summer transfer window. The Premier League giants are set to pay €55 million ($63 million) for the 26-year-old, who has reportedly agreed to a five-year deal. Final paperwork and formalities are expected to be completed in the coming days.
City are aiming to finalize the transfer ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off in the United States on June 14. Reijnders, who scored 15 goals for Milan in the 2024/25 season, has emerged as a dynamic midfield option following the departure of club legend Kevin De Bruyne.
The Belgium international is not expected to feature in the tournament and is widely linked with a move to Serie A champions Napoli. In addition, City will be without Mateo Kovacic, who recently underwent Achilles surgery and has been ruled out of the competition.
Manager Pep Guardiola sees Reijnders as a key addition to bolster midfield depth in the wake of these high-profile absences. The Dutch international arrived at AC Milan from AZ Alkmaar in 2023 and quickly became a central figure in the Italian side’s campaign.
Manchester City are heading into the new season after a disappointing 2024/25 run, which saw them finish third in the Premier League and end the year without a trophy — the first time this has happened under Guardiola in eight years. Reflecting on the season, City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak acknowledged last week that the club “probably should have been more aggressive” in the transfer market.
The signing of Reijnders represents a statement of intent as City prepare to defend their Club World Cup crown. The expanded 32-team tournament will see them begin their campaign against Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca in Philadelphia on June 18.
While the main transfer window will reopen on June 16, the current window remains open until June 10 to allow clubs to complete business in time for the Club World Cup.
With key departures and injuries reshaping the midfield, Guardiola will be looking to Reijnders to provide creativity and stability in the heart of the pitch — and help City return to the summit of world football.
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