Manchester City is making major moves in the transfer market, with AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders emerging as their top midfield target. The 26-year-old Dutch international has already given the green light to join City, with personal terms not an issue. The Premier League champions are now preparing their opening bid, expected to be around €70 million, as they aim to secure Reijnders before the Club World Cup2.

Why Manchester City Wants Tijjani Reijnders

City’s midfield rebuild is in full swing following the departure of Kevin De Bruyne to Napoli. With Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish’s futures uncertain, Pep Guardiola is keen to reinforce the No. 8 role, and Reijnders fits the profile perfectly.

Reijnders has been one of Serie A’s standout midfielders, earning the Midfielder of the Season award for his performances with AC Milan. His ability to control possession, progress the ball, and contribute defensively makes him an ideal addition to Guardiola’s system.

Tijjani Reijnders’ Performance at AC Milan

Reijnders has been a key figure for AC Milan, showcasing his versatility and tactical intelligence. His 2024/25 season stats highlight his impact:

Statistic	Value
Appearances	37
Goals	10
Assists	5
Pass Accuracy	89%
Tackles Won	81%
Big Chances Created	18

His ability to dictate play, break lines, and contribute defensively has made him one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe.

How Reijnders Will Help Manchester City

Reijnders brings a unique skill set that will enhance City’s midfield:

• Ball Progression – His ability to carry the ball forward and link up play will be crucial.
• Defensive Work Rate – Strong in tackles and interceptions, helping City maintain control.
• Creativity & Vision – Can unlock defenses with precise passing.
• Goal Threat – His 10 goals last season show his ability to contribute offensively.
• Tactical Intelligence – Fits Guardiola’s possession-based system perfectly.

City sees Reijnders as a long-term replacement for Ilkay Gundogan, with experts comparing his playing style and movement to the former City captain.

What’s Next?

Manchester City is expected to submit their opening bid soon, with AC Milan demanding around €70-90 million. If negotiations progress smoothly, Reijnders could be wearing the Sky Blue jersey before the Club World Cup.

Comparing Tijjani Reijnders to Past Manchester City Midfielders

Tijjani Reijnders is set to bring a unique skill set to Manchester City, but how does he compare to legendary City midfielders who have shaped the club’s success? Let’s analyze his attributes against players like Ilkay Gündogan, Kevin De Bruyne, Yaya Touré, and David Silva.

1. Ball Progression & Possession Play

Reijnders vs. Gündogan

• Similarities: Both are progressive midfielders who excel at linking defense to attack. Reijnders, like Gündogan, is press-resistant and thrives in tight spaces.
• Differences: Gündogan was more goal-oriented, often arriving late in the box to finish off moves, while Reijnders focuses more on dictating play and ball circulation.

Reijnders vs. David Silva

• Similarities: Both control tempo, using their intelligence and movement to build attacks. Silva was technically gifted, while Reijnders relies on pressing and short passing.
• Differences: Silva was a playmaker, while Reijnders plays deeper, operating as a box-to-box midfielder rather than a pure creator.

2. Goal Scoring & Attacking Contribution

Reijnders vs. Yaya Touré

• Similarities: Both drive forward, using their strength and dribbling to break defensive lines. Reijnders, like Yaya, can shoot from distance and contribute offensively.
• Differences: Touré was a physical force, scoring over 20 goals in a season, while Reijnders is more of a deep-lying playmaker, focused on ball progression rather than goal-scoring.

Reijnders vs. Kevin De Bruyne

• Similarities: Both have superb passing range, capable of delivering through balls and key assists.
• Differences: De Bruyne is world-class in creating chances, boasting double-digit assists consistently, whereas Reijnders focuses on possession-based control.

3. Defensive Work Rate & Tactical Intelligence

Reijnders vs. Fernandinho

• Similarities: Both are defensively disciplined, capable of breaking down opposition attacks. Reijnders, like Fernandinho, reads the game well and is strong in tackles.
• Differences: Fernandinho was a pure defensive midfielder, while Reijnders is more of a deep-lying playmaker, balancing defensive duties with offensive transitions.

Final Verdict: How Reijnders Fits Manchester City

Reijnders offers a blend of Gündogan’s ball progression, Yaya Touré’s physicality, and Fernandinho’s defensive presence. While not as explosive as De Bruyne, his ability to control midfield battles makes him a perfect fit for Guardiola’s system.

Conclusion

Tijjani Reijnders’ potential move to Manchester City is a game-changer for Guardiola’s midfield. His technical brilliance, defensive contributions, and attacking instincts make him the perfect signing for City’s evolving squad. As the summer transfer window unfolds, all eyes will be on whether City can finalize the deal and bring Reijnders to the Etihad.

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