Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders is set to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah in a deal worth around £51 million, bringing his Premier League spell to an unexpectedly quick conclusion.
The Netherlands international only joined City from AC Milan in 2025, but after one season at the Etihad Stadium, he is preparing for a new chapter in Saudi Arabia.
According to GOAL’s report on Reijnders’ move to Al-Qadsiah, Manchester City have agreed a £51 million deal with the Saudi club, while Reijnders has accepted personal terms.
Reijnders’ Manchester City Stay Ends After One Season
Reijnders arrived at Manchester City with a strong reputation following his performances for AC Milan. However, his stay in England has lasted only a year.
The 28-year-old scored seven goals in 47 appearances across all competitions for City. Despite making a promising start, his place in the starting XI became less secure as the season progressed, according to GOAL’s Manchester City transfer report.
ESPN’s report on Reijnders’ Manchester City exit also covers the midfielder’s move as part of City’s changing squad during the 2026 summer transfer window.
How Much Is the Reijnders Transfer Worth?
The transfer is expected to bring Manchester City approximately £51 million, with reports placing the figure at roughly €61 million.
City originally paid around £46.5 million to sign Reijnders from AC Milan, meaning the Premier League club is positioned to recover its investment and potentially make a profit after just one season. GOAL reports that the sale would take City’s outgoing transfer business to around £100 million during the window.
Meanwhile, Transfermarkt’s analysis of the Reijnders transfer places the deal among Manchester City’s most significant sales to the Saudi Pro League.
Why Are Manchester City Selling Reijnders?
Reijnders’ departure appears to be part of a wider restructuring at Manchester City rather than simply a judgment on one player’s ability.
City have been reshaping their midfield and generating significant funds through player sales. Reijnders’ £51 million fee provides additional financial flexibility as the club continues building its squad.
The Athletic’s report on Manchester City and Al-Qadsiah also detailed the negotiations surrounding the Dutch international’s move.
City’s willingness to sell a player signed only last summer demonstrates how quickly squad planning can change at elite clubs.
What Reijnders Brings to Al-Qadsiah
For Al-Qadsiah, Reijnders represents an important signing.
The Dutch midfielder is comfortable carrying the ball, progressing possession and operating across several midfield roles. Transfermarkt lists Reijnders among the notable players involved in the growing transfer relationship between major European clubs and Saudi Arabia.
Most importantly, Al-Qadsiah is acquiring a 28-year-old Netherlands international still in his prime, rather than a European star approaching retirement.
That makes this transfer another sign of the Saudi Pro League’s changing recruitment strategy.
What the Transfer Means for Tanzanian Football Fans
For football followers in Tanzania, the Reijnders transfer highlights why the Saudi Pro League is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
Premier League clubs such as Manchester City have huge followings across Tanzania, meaning transfers involving their established players naturally attract local interest.
The Saudi league’s ability to sign players directly from Europe’s biggest clubs also means Tanzanian fans may increasingly follow football beyond traditional competitions such as the Premier League, Champions League, La Liga and Serie A.
BBC Sport’s coverage of the Reijnders transfer further underlines the international significance of a player moving from one of England’s biggest clubs to Saudi Arabia.
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Final Word
Tijjani Reijnders’ move from Manchester City to Al-Qadsiah is one of the more surprising transfers of the 2026 summer window.
A player who arrived from AC Milan only a year ago is now leaving England after 47 appearances and seven goals, with Manchester City receiving approximately £51 million.
For City, the transfer creates financial room for the next stage of their squad rebuild. For Al-Qadsiah, it delivers an experienced international midfielder in his prime.
And for football fans in Tanzania, it provides another reminder that the global transfer market is changing. Saudi clubs are increasingly competing for players who could comfortably remain at Europe’s biggest teams.
Reijnders’ short Manchester City chapter is closing, but his transfer could prove far more significant than its one-season timeline suggests.
