Manchester City sign Tijjani Reijnders in £46.5m deal

Manchester City have completed the signing of Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan for an initial fee of £46.5 million on a five-year contract. 

The 26-year-old becomes City’s fourth summer signing following the arrivals of Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, and Marcus Bettinelli. 

Reijnders is eligible to participate in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the United States and could make his debut on June 18 against Moroccan side Wydad AC.

Reijnders, who joined Milan from AZ Alkmaar in 2023, impressed during his debut Serie A campaign with 15 goals across 54 appearances and was named Midfielder of the Season..

His transfer comes at a pivotal time for Manchester City, who are looking to strengthen their squad following a third-place Premier League finish and the departure of club legend Kevin De Bruyne. Reijnders is expected to bring energy and creativity to Pep Guardiola’s midfield.

City had previously been linked with Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz but ultimately opted for a more economical trio in Reijnders, Cherki, and Ait-Nouri—signings that together cost less than Wirtz’s £127 million asking price. 

The additions are seen as a strategic response to the physical and tactical challenges City faced last season, which saw them go trophyless for the first time in eight years despite a £50m February signing of Nico Gonzalez.

Reijnders’ playing style fits well into Guardiola’s dynamic system. Known for his powerful runs, versatility, and intelligent positioning, the Dutchman was ranked among Serie A’s best for forward passes, through balls, and progressive carries.

His 205 shot-ending passages of play were the most by any player in the league, underlining his influence in the attacking phase.

With midfielders Kalvin Phillips, James McAtee, and Jack Grealish reportedly on the exit list and the futures of veterans like Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic in question, Reijnders is expected to be a cornerstone of a new-look midfield.

Italian football journalist Daniele Verri praised Reijnders’ rapid development at Milan and believes he will thrive under Guardiola’s mentorship.

As Manchester City prepare for the Club World Cup and a refreshed Premier League campaign, the club appears focused on rejuvenating their squad while maintaining their competitive edge.

Reijnders’ arrival signals the beginning of a potential midfield overhaul aimed at returning City to the summit of English and international football.