Manchester City have officially completed the signing of Netherlands international Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan in a high-profile £46.5 million transfer deal. The Dutch midfielder has signed a five-year contract with the Premier League giants, becoming Pep Guardiola’s fourth summer signing ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
The 26-year-old, who impressed during his time in Serie A, is set to reinforce Manchester City’s midfield following the departure of Kevin De Bruyne. The Citizens have also added Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, and Marcus Bettinelli in a calculated push to rejuvenate their squad before their Club World Cup opener against Wydad FC on June 18.
Reijnders: Manchester City Transfer Profile
- Player: Tijjani Reijnders
- Nationality: Netherlands
- Age: 26
- Previous Club: AC Milan
- Transfer Fee: £46.5 million
- Contract Duration: 5 years
- Key Strengths: Ball carrying, through passes, secondary assists
- Expected Role: Central midfielder / box-to-box
- Debut Expected: June 18 vs Wydad FC (Club World Cup)
Reijnders Strengthens Midfield Options at Manchester City
With Kevin De Bruyne’s departure leaving a creative gap, Manchester City have moved swiftly to secure Tijjani Reijnders—one of Serie A’s top-performing midfielders last season. Reijnders scored 15 goals in 54 appearances across all competitions for AC Milan and was named Serie A Midfielder of the Season.
His addition is seen as crucial for City’s midfield transformation, especially with uncertainties surrounding the futures of Kalvin Phillips, Jack Grealish, James McAtee, and even veteran full-back Kyle Walker. Injuries to Mateo Kovacic and ageing stars like Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan make Reijnders’ versatility and dynamism even more valuable.
Why Reijnders Is the Right Fit for Guardiola
Tijjani Reijnders brings the kind of box-to-box energy that Guardiola’s midfield lacked last season. Despite City acquiring Nico Gonzalez earlier in the year, the midfield often lacked physicality and pace—two traits that Reijnders offers in abundance.
Reijnders’ ability to carry the ball, distribute quickly, and link with attackers perfectly complements Guardiola’s high-possession, high-press strategy. His inclusion is expected to give more fluidity to transitions, especially in matches where control of the midfield is essential.
Club World Cup 2025: City Gearing Up for Global Glory
Manchester City’s strategy ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States makes it clear they are taking the tournament seriously. Instead of splashing over £127 million for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, City made calculated investments by bringing in Reijnders, Cherki, Ait-Nouri, and goalkeeper Bettinelli for a combined £108 million.
All four new signings are eligible to feature in the June 18 match against Wydad AC, and City are now being seen as early favorites to dominate the expanded Club World Cup format.
Expert Views on Reijnders’ Potential
Italian football expert Daniele Verri praised the Dutchman’s growth since joining Milan in 2023, saying:
“He will slot in very well at City. He runs a lot, he’s very willing to improve and he will love working with Guardiola. His development over one season was incredible.”
The sentiment is echoed across the football world as fans and analysts alike expect Reijnders to thrive under Guardiola’s mentorship, especially in a system that favors positional play and intelligent movement.
The signing of Tijjani Reijnders by Manchester City marks a strategic and forward-thinking investment. With his proven track record in Serie A, creativity in the final third, and tactical flexibility, he is poised to become a key figure in City’s midfield rebuild. The Dutchman’s arrival not only covers the gap left by De Bruyne but also injects energy, versatility, and tactical intelligence into Guardiola’s evolving squad.
As the Club World Cup looms, City’s fans will be excited to see how Reijnders links up with their attacking core and whether he can become the heartbeat of another title-winning midfield at the Etihad.