Manchester City have strengthened their midfield with the signing of AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders for an initial £46.5 million, the club announced yesterday. The 26-year-old Netherlands international has inked a five-year contract, marking him as Pep Guardiola’s fourth acquisition this summer, following Rayan Ait-Nouri, Marcus Bettinelli, and Rayan Cherki.
Reijnders’ arrival comes just in time for him to be eligible for the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States, where he could make his debut for the Citizens against Wydad FC on June 18. The midfielder expressed his excitement about the move, saying, “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 Dutch star, capped 23 times by his national team, was an unused substitute in the Netherlands’ 8-0 rout of Malta on Tuesday. Last season, Reijnders shone at AC Milan, scoring 15 goals in 54 appearances across all competitions and earning the prestigious Serie A Midfielder of the Season award. His versatility and goal-scoring prowess are expected to fill the void left by Kevin De Bruyne’s departure, strengthening City’s midfield as they aim to climb from their third-placed finish in the Premier League last term.
Guardiola’s side, known for their dominance under his tenure, will look to Reijnders to help sustain their trophy-winning momentum.
With a packed schedule ahead, including domestic and international competitions, the signing signals City’s ambition to reclaim their spot at the pinnacle of English and European football.