Credited from: BBC
Manchester City has confirmed a deal to sign Netherlands midfielder Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan for €55 million (approximately $62.6 million). The 26-year-old has signed a five-year contract and is expected to join the squad for the upcoming Club World Cup, where City will be competing following their third-place finish in the Premier League last season, according to BBC, Channel News Asia, and Reuters.
Reijnders joined AC Milan in 2023 and made a significant impact during the 2024-25 season, scoring 15 goals across all competitions. His performance earned him the title of Serie A's best midfielder, a notable achievement despite Milan's eighth-place finish in the league. He has also garnered 22 caps for the Netherlands, which indicates his growing reputation on the international stage, reports BBC and Reuters.
The signing of Reijnders is timely as Manchester City faces the departures of pivotal midfielders, including Kevin De Bruyne, who has been a key player for the team over the past decade. Reijnders’ arrival is seen as a crucial step in revamping the midfield, particularly with recent injuries to players such as Rodri and Mateo Kovacic, according to BBC and Channel News Asia.
His versatility as a box-to-box midfielder is expected to significantly enhance Pep Guardiola's tactical options. Analysts suggest that Reijnders could fill various roles within City's system, although questions remain regarding whether he can entirely replace De Bruyne's unique impact on the pitch, an aspect discussed by BBC and Reuters.