What He Brings to the Etihad
Manchester City have reached a verbal agreement with AC Milan to sign Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders in a deal worth €70 million, including add-ons. The move marks another strategic signing for Pep Guardiola, as City look to reinforce their midfield following the departure of Kevin De Bruyne.
Reijnders’ Journey at AC Milan
Reijnders joined AC Milan in July 2023 from AZ Alkmaar and quickly established himself as a key figure in the Rossoneri midfield. His ability to dictate play, progress the ball, and contribute defensively made him one of Milan’s most reliable performers.
Here’s a breakdown of his 2024/25 season stats at AC Milan
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Serie A | 37 | 10 | 5 |
| UEFA Champions League | 10 | 3 | 0 |
| Coppa Italia | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| Supercoppa Italiana | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 54 | 15 | 5 |
Across two seasons at Milan, Reijnders made 104 appearances, scoring 19 goals and providing 9 assists. His performances helped Milan secure the Supercoppa Italiana in 2024/25.
What Reijnders Brings to Manchester City
With Kevin De Bruyne set to leave, Reijnders is expected to slot into City’s midfield as a progressive playmaker. His strengths include:
- Ball Progression: Reijnders excels at carrying the ball forward and breaking defensive lines with precise passing.
- Defensive Work Rate: His ability to recover possession and shield the backline makes him a valuable asset in Guardiola’s system.
- Versatility: He can operate as a deep-lying playmaker or in a more advanced role, adapting to City’s tactical demands.
- Big-Game Mentality: Having played in the Champions League knockout stages, Reijnders is accustomed to high-pressure matches.
City’s Midfield Evolution
Manchester City’s midfield is undergoing a transformation, with Rodri remaining the anchor while younger talents like Phil Foden and Mateo Kovačić take on more responsibility. Reijnders’ arrival ensures City maintain their possession-based dominance, while adding fresh energy to their midfield.
Guardiola has long admired midfielders who can control tempo, dictate play, and contribute defensively, and Reijnders fits that mold perfectly. His ability to link defense to attack will be crucial as City aim to retain their Premier League and Champions League titles.
Final Thoughts
Reijnders’ move to Manchester City is a statement signing, reinforcing Guardiola’s midfield with a technically gifted and tactically intelligent player. His ability to balance creativity with defensive solidity makes him an ideal successor to De Bruyne.
As City prepare for the Club World Cup, Reijnders could make his debut as early as June 18, when City face Wydad AC. Fans will be eager to see how he integrates into Guardiola’s system and whether he can replicate his Milan success in the Premier League.
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