Manchester City have announced the big money transfer of Dutch international Tijjani Reijnders to AC Milan in a deal that could cost them £46.3 million in a move that is seen as a strategic re-building of the midfield of the team. The midfielder, 26, has signed a five-year deal with the Premier League champions and will be one of the key ingredients in the changing guard under Pep Guardiola. The signing is a crucial moment in the career of Manchester City, who are trying to restructure their midfield following the exit of legendary creator Kevin De Bruyne. As Guardiola looks to add new vibrancy and creativity to the heart of the park, Reijnders comes not only with technical ability but with demonstrated versatility and an offensive threat that should have been in the City arsenal last season.
A Standout Performer in Serie A
The 202425 Serie A season was an standout one for Reijnders, although AC Milan had a mediocre season. Milan did not qualify for European football, as they ended in an eighth place, but Reijnders was the most prolific midfielder in the league, as he was top among his colleagues in combined goals and assists. The Dutchman has been impressive since he left AZ Alkmaar to join AC Milan in 2023 and scored 15 goals in all competitions last season. Such performance resulted in him being named the Serie A Midfielder of the Year and he was deeply in the radars of various top clubs in Europe.
According to sources close to Manchester City, it appears that Reijnders was not only brought in because of his stats, but because of his stylistic suitability to the Guardiola philosophy. Capable of dictating the pace, identifying the crucial passes, and making the right off-the-ball movements, Reijnders falls into the pattern of a modern box-to-box midfielder the exact type of midfielder that City were missing once De Bruyne departed. Reijnders is likely to debut in the forthcoming Club World Cup, in which City will be looking to stamp their authority back on the world. It is claimed that Guardiola views him as the basis of a midfield three alongside PHIL Foden and Rodri, brings together control, creativity and physicality.
Why Reijnders Chose City Over Others
Interestingly Reijnders had already rejected a move to Barcelona, who showed interest in him last year. Midfielder admitted that Milan offered him a more definite tactical perspective and player course back then. The chance to work under Guardiola, though, and the well-developed plan that City had enticed him enough to finally cross over into English football.
Reijnders, in a short statement, said: “It is not all about the size of the club, or the trophies.” “It is the fit (how I can contribute, develop, and win). I believe City offers the ideal environment.”
The move was applauded by his former youth coach at AZ Alkmaar, Michel Vonk, who termed Reijnders as a technical, creative player who can play the key pass and score goals. Such an evaluation by Vonk fuels the opinion that Reijnders has the potential to flourish in a Guardiola system, which requires accuracy, intelligence, and versatility. It is also a signing that gives depth to a City squad that is about to face an even more congested fixture list as the Premier League increases its broadcast coverage and the Club World Cup dominates the horizon.
Premier League Eyes New Star
When Sky Sports builds up to 215 live Premier League games in the 202526 season, almost doubling its present output, Reijnders will be a household name in English football. Every inch of his performances will be put into the microscope, not only by fans, but also by analysts keen on knowing whether he can repeat his Serie A triumph in a more physical, quicker league. The price tag will no doubt raise some eyebrows but it must be noted that City have of late been having a good track record in the transfer market and they tend to view long term value in their signings as well as instant impact. Should Reijnders meet the expectations, he might prove to be an important component in the quest by the club to win regular domestic and European titles.
