Manchester City Acquires Tijjani Reijnders
Manchester City has officially announced the acquisition of Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan as they prepare for the upcoming Club World Cup. The transfer, which reportedly stands at an initial fee of €55 million (approximately £46.3 million) with potential add-ons, comes after a club-to-club agreement was established last week. The talented midfielder has signed a contract with City that extends until 2030, joining new teammates such as Rayan Ait Nouri, Marcus Bettinelli, and Rayan Cherki, reinforcing Pep Guardiola’s squad this summer.
Reijnders’ Impact and Background
Reijnders, at 26 years old, has made a significant impact in Serie A, being named the league’s midfielder of the year for his remarkable performance, which included scoring 15 goals across all competitions and starting 63 out of 64 matches for AC Milan. Before joining the Rossoneri at the beginning of the 2023-24 season, Reijnders made a name for himself at AZ Alkmaar, where he developed his skills further.
Inspiration and Playing Style
He has drawn inspiration from Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, whom he admired as a younger player. In a statement made in May, Reijnders mentioned how he studied De Bruyne’s gameplay, particularly his ability to scan the field before receiving the ball. This strategic mindset coincides with a crucial moment for City as they aim to strengthen their midfield following the departure of De Bruyne and to cope with Rodri’s recovery from an ACL injury.
International Experience and Future Prospects
Reijnders is highly regarded for his versatility and ability to play as a deep-lying midfielder, which aligns with Manchester City’s style of play that often involves building from the back. With 22 caps for the Netherlands since his international debut in 2023, and as part of the squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2024 European Championships, he brings international experience to Manchester City.
Upcoming Challenges
As City prepares to kick off their Club World Cup journey against Wydad AC on June 18, followed by matches against Al Ain and Juventus, the addition of Reijnders marks the beginning of a strategic refresh in the midfield, which is particularly vital as the team works toward maintaining competitive form without their star creator, De Bruyne. His ten goals and five assists during his last season at Milan highlight his capacity to contribute to the team offensively, while his stamina and work ethic are essential given the aging dynamics of the City lineup.
