June 11, 2025 – Manchester – Manchester City bolstered their squad on Wednesday by signing Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan on a five-year deal, just in time for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, running June 14–July 13.
Transfer Details & Timing
- The deal is valued at approximately €55 million (£46–46.5 million), reported across multiple sources.
- Reijnders arrives from AC Milan, where he extended his contract until 2030 in March, after helping win the Italian Super Cup and being voted Serie A’s best midfielder.
- His transfer marks City’s fourth signing this week, following Rayan Aït-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, and Marcus Bettinelli, pushing their summer spending to over £100 million.
Why Reijnders Was the Priority
City are undergoing a strategic midfield rebuild after losing Kevin De Bruyne (free transfer to Napoli) and suffering a long-term injury to Mateo Kovacic. Reijnders’ dynamic all-round skillset—ball progression, goal threat, and tactical flexibility—were key selling points.
At 26, he had an impressive Serie A season with 15 goals and 5 assists in 54 games, achieving a rare midfield stat line and earning high praise in Milan. His performances include topping goal-involvement charts among midfielders in Serie A.
Quotes from the Club and Player
Reijnders:
“I am ecstatic to be signing for Manchester City … Under Pep Guardiola, City have won so many titles, and I want to help keep that going with a lot more success in the coming years. It is also a dream come true to play in the Premier League … I am really looking forward to … showing the fans what I can do.”.
Director of Football Hugo Viana highlighted his impact:
“He arrives here with extensive top-level experience … adds extra energy, composure and creativity to our midfield” .
Club World Cup Squad Inclusion
Reijnders has been registered for the Club World Cup and will wear the No. 4 shirt, previously donned by Vincent Kompany – a number deeply loved by fans. His eligibility underscores City’s intent to make an immediate impact in the tournament.
Their first match is June 18 against Wydad AC, with the entire squad, including the four new signings, traveling to the U.S. .
Transfer Strategy & Financial Context
This signing follows a record January window, where City spent over £180 million on signings like Vítor Reis, Khusanov, Omar Marmoush, and Nico González.
Combined with summer signings, the club’s spending exceeds £288 million—double that of their nearest Premier League rival .. Clearly, City’s ambitious rebuild under Pep Guardiola is gathering pace.
What Reijnders Brings to City
| Strength | Description |
|---|---|
| Box-to-box Energy | High work rate, excellent stamina, and pressing ability . |
| Goal Threat | 15 goals last season—rare attacking output from a midfielder |
| Tactical Versatility | Can slot in multiple midfield roles: mezzala, double pivot, holding mid |
| Experience | 104 games for Milan, 23 caps for Netherlands, major tournaments including Euro 2024 |
Final Insights
Manchester City’s acquisition of Tijjani Reijnders is a clear statement of intent: a proactive squad revamp aimed at restoring domestic dominance and achieving Club World Cup glory. Reijnders’ blend of energy, goals, tactical awareness, and big-game experience make him an essential piece in Pep Guardiola’s evolving midfield blueprint.
City fans should expect him to shine in the No. 4 jersey during the summer tournament—and possibly beyond.
