Manchester City have officially signed Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan for an initial fee of £46.5 million, with the Dutch midfielder penning a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium. The 26-year-old becomes Pep Guardiola’s fourth summer signing, joining Rayan Aït-Nouri, Marcus Bettinelli, and Rayan Cherki as part of the club’s early transfer activity.
Reijnders arrives in time to be registered for the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where City begin their campaign against Wydad AC in Philadelphia on 18 June. His acquisition comes as part of a broader squad overhaul, aimed at rejuvenating City’s midfield after a third-place Premier League finish and the departure of Kevin De Bruyne.
“I am ecstatic to be signing for Manchester City,” Reijnders said. “City are one of the biggest teams in the world, with the best coach, world-class players, and outstanding facilities. Under Pep Guardiola, they’ve won so many titles, and I want to help continue that success.”
🧠 Guardiola’s Midfield Overhaul Underway
With Kevin De Bruyne’s exit leaving a major gap in City’s midfield, Reijnders is expected to play a central role in Guardiola’s plans going forward. Despite interest in Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, City opted for a more cost-effective approach, bringing in Reijnders, Cherki, and Aït-Nouri for a combined total of approximately £108 million—significantly less than Wirtz’s £127m asking price.
Reijnders’ signing signals more than a simple squad addition. It reflects Guardiola’s intention to revitalize a midfield that struggled last season with physicality and energy. Though Nico Gonzalez was signed in February, City’s failure to win a major trophy for the first time in eight years highlighted the need for fresh dynamism.
⚽ Reijnders’ Rise and Role
Reijnders had a standout season at Milan, scoring 15 goals in 54 appearances and being named Serie A’s Midfielder of the Season, despite the Rossoneri’s disappointing eighth-place finish. He was also capped 22 times by the Netherlands, although he remained an unused substitute in their recent 8-0 win over Malta.
Known for his box-to-box capabilities, Reijnders offers running power, creativity, and tactical intelligence. He ranked among the top midfielders in Serie A for forward passes, through balls, and ball carries, showcasing his ability to transition play and unlock defenses.
Italian football journalist Daniele Verri praised the move, stating:
“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. He’s grown significantly since arriving at Milan.”
🏆 A New Era at the Etihad
With Kalvin Phillips, Jack Grealish, James McAtee, and Kyle Walker all tipped for possible exits, and the futures of Ederson, John Stones, and Nathan Aké under scrutiny, Manchester City are clearly entering a period of transition. Guardiola appears to be steering the squad toward younger, high-potential players with hunger and energy.
In Reijnders, City gain a proven performer with European pedigree, positional versatility, and the kind of mentality that fits seamlessly into the Guardiola system. As the Club World Cup looms, the Dutchman is poised to make an immediate impact on the biggest stage.
