Reijnders scored 15 goals in 54 appearances for AC Milan last season and won Serie A midfielder of the year award
Manchester City have agreed a €55 million deal with AC Milan to sign Dutch international Tijjani Reijnders, with the midfielder set to bolster Pep Guardiola’s squad ahead of the Club World Cup.
Reijnders is expected to sign a five-year contract after reaching personal terms with the Sky Blues. The deal includes performance-related add-ons and remains subject to a medical, which City hope to complete in time for the Dutchman to be registered before the tournament kicks off on 14 June in the United States.
The move comes at a crucial time for City, with Mateo Kovacic sidelined after undergoing Achilles surgery, ruling him out of the upcoming Club World Cup. Reijnders, due to his technical ability, is seen as an ideal reinforcement to the midfield.
Capped 22 times by the Netherlands, Reijnders enjoyed a standout campaign at San Siro despite Milan’s struggles. While the Rossoneri slumped to an eighth-place finish in Serie A and missed out on European qualification, Reijnders was a rare bright spot, scoring 15 goals in 54 appearances and earning Serie A’s midfielder of the season award.
It marked the best goalscoring season of his career, but his appeal extends well beyond numbers. He is comfortable playing either deep or advanced in midfield, offering Guardiola several options in the centre. He’s also known for his composure under pressure, his ability to receive the ball in tight spaces, and to beat the press both through incisive passing and intelligent ball-carrying.
His tactical intelligence and range of movement are attributes City see as perfectly suited to their high-possession system. With Rodri returning from injury late last season, Reijnders could be used as a partner in a double pivot or occupy one of the free-roaming advanced roles Guardiola frequently deploys.
Reijnders’ journey to the top of European football began at PEC Zwolle in 2018 before a breakout spell at AZ Alkmaar, where his all-round qualities began to shine. His time in Milan proved his readiness for the next level.
Now, he arrives at a City side seeking to stay ahead of a Premier League top half that is becoming fiercely competitive, and his signing shows plenty of intent.
