Tijjani Reijnders is closing in on a move from Manchester City to Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah after all parties reportedly reached a verbal agreement over a €61 million transfer.
The Netherlands international has accepted Al-Qadsiah’s proposal, while Manchester City have agreed to the financial terms. The two clubs are now exchanging documents ahead of the final signatures, with Reijnders expected to travel to Saudi Arabia for his medical.
Although the transfer has received the famous “Here We Go” confirmation from Fabrizio Romano, neither club had officially announced the move at the time of writing. The deal therefore remains subject to paperwork, a medical and formal completion.
Reports in England have also placed the value of the agreement at approximately £52 million, with personal terms already settled between Reijnders and Al-Qadsiah. The Times and The Guardian both report that the midfielder is set to leave the Etihad Stadium.
Why Al-Qadsiah Wanted Tijjani Reijnders
At 28, Reijnders arrives in Saudi Arabia during what should be the peak period of his career. He offers technical quality, ball progression, intelligent movement and the ability to operate in several midfield roles.
The Dutchman can play as a deeper central midfielder, a number eight or in a more advanced position. His ability to receive possession under pressure and carry the ball through midfield should make him an important part of Al-Qadsiah’s plans.
Rather than signing a player approaching retirement, the Saudi club are acquiring an established Netherlands international with recent experience in Serie A, the Premier League and the Champions League.
The reported €61m investment is significant, but it also represents another statement of ambition from Al-Qadsiah as they attempt to establish themselves among the Saudi Pro League’s leading clubs.
Reijnders’ Manchester City Career
Reijnders joined Manchester City from AC Milan in June 2025, signing a five-year contract after being named Serie A’s Best Midfielder for the 2024/25 season. He arrived in England following an outstanding campaign in which he scored 15 goals in 54 appearances for Milan. Manchester City’s official announcement described him as an energetic and composed midfielder capable of contributing in both attacking and defensive roles.
His Premier League career could hardly have started better.
On his league debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Reijnders produced a goal and an assist as City recorded an emphatic 4-0 victory at Molineux. He finished confidently with his left foot before helping create Erling Haaland’s second goal, delivering a performance filled with movement, composure and attacking intent. City’s match report called it a “masterful” debut.
That opening display appeared to confirm that City had found a dynamic midfielder capable of replacing some of the creativity and forward running lost following Kevin De Bruyne’s departure.
Reijnders remained productive during the first half of the season. By January 2026, he had registered six goals and seven assists in 32 appearances across all competitions, according to Manchester City.
However, his influence gradually declined. Competition for places intensified, and he reportedly started only five Premier League matches during the second half of the campaign. He ultimately completed his only full season in Manchester with seven goals and eight assists from 50 appearances.
Those numbers represent a respectable contribution, but Reijnders never became an undisputed starter at the Etihad.
A Short but Successful Stay at Manchester City
Despite his fluctuating role, Reijnders leaves with silverware from his year in England.
Manchester City finished second in the 2025/26 Premier League, seven points behind Arsenal, while winning both the FA Cup and EFL Cup during Pep Guardiola’s final season in charge. City also reached the Champions League last 16. Reijnders was therefore part of a squad that recovered from the previous trophyless campaign by completing a domestic cup double. NBC Sports confirms City’s second-place league finish, while Sports Mole’s season review details the two Wembley triumphs.
His City career will ultimately be remembered as a promising spell that never quite developed into a long-term partnership. The brilliant debut at Wolves demonstrated exactly what he could offer, but reduced playing time later in the season opened the door to an early departure.
What the Transfer Means for Manchester City
From City’s perspective, receiving approximately €61m for a player who cost around £46m only one year earlier represents a strong financial outcome.
The transfer also creates additional space in a midfield being reshaped under new management. City have already invested heavily in that department and continue to be linked with further reinforcements.
Selling a talented midfielder after just one season carries an element of risk, particularly because Reijnders still had several years remaining on his contract. However, the size of Al-Qadsiah’s offer and the player’s reduced role made an agreement attractive to all sides.
Tijjani Reijnders to Al-Qadsiah Signing Rating
Rating: 8.5/10
This is an excellent signing for Al-Qadsiah.
Reijnders is technically accomplished, versatile and still operating at an age when he can deliver several seasons of high-level football. His experience with AC Milan, Manchester City and the Netherlands should immediately improve Al-Qadsiah’s midfield.
The fee is expensive, but it reflects the difficulty of convincing a player in his prime to leave one of Europe’s strongest clubs. If Reijnders becomes the central figure around whom Al-Qadsiah build their midfield, the investment could prove worthwhile.
For Manchester City, it is also impressive business financially. For the player, however, the move will inevitably generate debate because he is leaving elite European football only 12 months after arriving in the Premier League.
One unforgettable debut, 50 appearances, 15 direct goal contributions and two domestic trophies: Reijnders’ Manchester City chapter was brief, productive and ultimately more complicated than many expected.
