In a powerful statement of intent, Man City have confirmed the signing of Dutch international midfielder Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan for £46.3 million ($62.4 million). The 26-year-old has signed a five-year contract and becomes the club’s fourth high-profile acquisition in a single week, as Pep Guardiola accelerates a sweeping squad overhaul following a season that failed to meet the club’s sky-high expectations.
Reijnders arrives just in time to be registered for the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States, where Man City will look to defend their crown in a revamped 32-team format.
The move takes City’s summer transfer spending to around £108 million, following recent deals for Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki, Chelsea goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli, and Wolves full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri. These signings add to the momentum that began during a busy January window when City brought in Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis.
Reijnders Joins Man City to Bolster Midfield After De Bruyne Exit
Reijnders, who joined AC Milan from AZ Alkmaar in 2023, had a strong personal campaign despite Milan’s disappointing 2024/25 season, which saw them finish eighth in Serie A. The Dutchman scored 15 goals in all competitions and was a standout performer in an otherwise underwhelming squad.
At Man City, he will be tasked with helping to fill the void left by the departure of club legend Kevin De Bruyne, who exited earlier this summer after nearly a decade at the heart of Guardiola’s midfield.
Speaking on his arrival, Reijnders expressed his excitement:
“I am ecstatic to be signing for Manchester City. City are one of the biggest teams in the world, with the best coach, world-class players and outstanding facilities. Under Pep Guardiola, City have won so many titles and I want to help keep that going with a lot more success in the coming years.”
The signing of Reijnders is not only a midfield reinforcement but also a signal of Man City’s broader summer strategy—to address squad fatigue, replace aging key players, and regain domestic and European dominance.
After winning four consecutive Premier League titles, City experienced a drop in form last season, finishing third and exiting the Champions League earlier than expected. Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak admitted in a recent interview that the club “probably should have been more aggressive” in last year’s transfer market.
This summer, however, there is no hesitation. The club moved early and decisively, closing deals before the June 11 deadline set to accommodate the early start of the Club World Cup. The window reopens again on June 16, but Man City have already set the tone.
“We are very happy that Tijjani has joined us and we’re excited for him to join Pep’s squad. He arrives with extensive top-level experience in Europe, both at club level and internationally with the Netherlands. Tijjani adds extra energy, composure and creativity to our midfield. Working with Pep and our coaches will only see him go from strength to strength.”
Guardiola’s side will now turn their attention to the Club World Cup, set to kick off in the United States on June 14. Man City, as defending champions from the tournament’s previous format in Saudi Arabia, open their campaign against Moroccan champions Wydad Casablanca in Philadelphia on June 18.
The expanded competition presents a chance for Man City to not only showcase their new signings but also establish momentum ahead of the 2025/26 season. With a bolstered squad and renewed energy, Guardiola will be aiming to reassert the dominance that made City one of the most feared sides in Europe over the past five years.
Tactically, Reijnders is expected to offer Guardiola both flexibility and depth. Known for his intelligent movement, crisp passing, and goal-scoring threat from midfield, the Dutchman fits into City’s possession-based approach. His arrival could also signal a shift in City’s tactical shape, perhaps allowing for more rotation and fresher legs in a demanding season that will include international competitions, domestic leagues, and the expanded UEFA Champions League format.
As Man City look to reclaim their domestic title and go deeper in Europe, Reijnders and the week’s other acquisitions represent not just replacements, but strategic enhancements. This aggressive transfer window may be exactly what City need to regain their edge.
Source- EWN
