Pep Guardiola bolsters midfield with AC Milan star as Kevin De Bruyne’s long-term replacement
Manchester City have officially announced the signing of Netherlands international Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan in a deal worth an initial £46.5 million.
The 26-year-old midfielder has put pen to paper on a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, becoming Pep Guardiola’s fourth summer acquisition following the arrivals of Rayan Ait-Nouri, Marcus Bettinelli and Rayan Cherki.
Reijnders joins in time to feature in City’s upcoming Club World Cup campaign in the United States, with his potential debut coming against Wydad FC on 18 June.
The Dutchman’s arrival provides important reinforcement to City’s midfield following the departure of midfield legend Kevin De Bruyne. It means Guardiola will have the player’s abilities as a technically gifted, box-to-box operator at his disposal.
“I am ecstatic to be signing for Manchester City,” said Reijnders. “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.
“It is also a dream come true to play in the Premier League. This league has seen many of the best Dutch players perform through the years and it’s an inspiration to follow in their footsteps.”
Reijnders’ signing comes after the former AZ Alkmaar star enjoyed a standout 2024-25 season at Milan, scoring 15 goals in 54 appearances across all competitions and earning recognition as Serie A’s Midfielder of the Season. He showcased the ability to dictate tempo, break lines with his passing, and contribute significantly to attack with runs into the opponents’ box. Those qualities made him a prime target for City’s recruitment team.
Hugo Viana, City’s director of football, said: “He arrives here with extensive top-level experience in Europe, both at club level as well as on the international stage with the Netherlands. Tijjani adds extra energy, composure and creativity to our midfield and working with Pep and our coaches will only see him go from strength to strength.”
