Manchester City’s summer 2025 transfer window was nothing short of headline-grabbing — but the signing of Tijjani Reijnders arguably stole the show.
Fresh off a sensational season at AC Milan, the Dutch midfielder arrives at the Etihad Stadium to fill the void left by Kevin De Bruyne.
Reijnders brings box-to-box energy, goal-scoring prowess, and technical polish to Pep Guardiola’s midfield—here’s a deeper dive into his journey and what he could mean for City.
Impressive Premier League debut
Reijnders wasted no time announcing himself in England.
In his Premier League debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers, he scooped up a goal and an assist, instrumental in a commanding 4–0 win.
His opener came by outmuscling two midfielders before threading a sublime through-ball that led to the first goal.
Moments later, he returned the favor, finishing clinically after a pass from Oscar Bobb. A man-of-the-match performance the instant he stepped onto the Premier League stage.
AC Milan: Achievements and impact
Reijnders joined AC Milan in July 2023 for around €20 million plus add-ons.
He made an immediate impact—fast-tracked into the starting XI by manager Stefano Pioli and debuting in a 0–2 win against Bologna.
In the 2024–25 season, he starred with an impressive 15 goals and numerous assists across competitions. His fine form earned him both Serie A Best Midfielder and a place in the Serie A Team of the Season. He also lifted the Supercoppa Italiana in January 2025.
Transfer fee and why Milan let him go
Manchester City secured Reijnders from Milan in June 2025 on a five-year deal, with the initial fee ranging between €55 million to €57.7 million (£46-50 million), potentially rising to €70 million with add-ons.
Milan’s decision to sell reflects both their financial reality and Reijnders’ soaring market value after a standout season.
For the Dutchman, the move offered a chance to step onto the global stage with one of Europe’s elite squads—an offer too good to refuse.
Career honours at a glance
- Supercoppa Italiana winner (2024–25) with AC Milan.
- Serie A Best Midfielder and inclusion in the Team of the Season (2024–25).
- A standout figure in Euro 2024 for the Netherlands.
Will he thrive in the Premier League?
All signs point to yes. Guardiola’s management ethos—valuing pressing, technical skill, and positional versatility—aligns perfectly with Reijnders’ strengths.
His debut was electric, though adjustments will come. With stars like Rodri, Kovacic, Gundogan, and Bernardo still in the midfield mix, Reijnders can transition smoothly into the lineup and flourish over time.
Best position and playing style
Primarily a box-to-box central midfielder, Reijnders also excels as a mezzala—a left-sided central role in a 4-3-3—or within a double pivot in a 4-2-3-1 setup.
He blends forward surges into the box with disciplined build-up play, pressing opponents, and creating chances—echoing De Bruyne’s strategic influence.
Performance last season
2024–25 was a breakout. Reijnders played over 50 matches, tallying 15 goals plus several assists. His consistency earned him top midfield honors, despite Milan finishing eighth in the league.
Conclusion
Tijjani Reijnders arrives at Manchester City with momentum, accolades, and the complete toolkit to succeed at the Premier League’s highest level.
His dynamic debut, combined with proven Serie A excellence, make him a compelling long-term piece for Guardiola’s midfield.
If his trajectory continues upward, Manchester City may just have unearthed their next midfield icon.
