Manchester City have confirmed the £46.5 million signing of Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan, securing the Dutch midfielder on a five-year contract. At 26, Reijnders arrives at the Etihad Stadium following an impressive spell in Serie A, where he was named the league’s best midfielder for the 2024/25 season. His arrival comes as Kevin De Bruyne prepares to move to Napoli. Positioning Reijnders as a potential successor to the Belgian maestro in Pep Guardiola’s midfield.
The Reinders transfer comes at very much-needed time at City. They have just dropped the EPL title and finished third in the league. Also, their midfield is in need of an overhaul. So Tijjani could just be the piece they needed to get them back on track and in title contention in the upcoming season.
Reijnders’ Best Season
Reijnders enjoyed the best season of his career last term. He scored 15 goals in 54 appearances across all competitions for Milan, more than doubling his previous best tally. In Serie A alone, he netted 10 goals and provided 5 assists. Showcasing his ability to contribute both in scoring and creating chances. His stats underline a well-rounded midfielder. He created 111 progressive carries, 230 progressive passes, and a shot-creating action average of 3.37 per game.
Known for his energy and composure, Reijnders is capable of playing both attacking and defensive roles in midfield. His passing accuracy is impressive, with completion rates above 90% for short and medium passes and over 70% for long balls. Defensively, he contributed 26 tackles, 22 blocks, 38 interceptions, and 28 clearances last season, highlighting his all-around game.
Filling the De Bruyne Void
With De Bruyne’s impending transfer to Napoli, City face the challenge of replacing one of the Premier League’s most influential midfielders. Reijnders offers a blend of creativity, work rate, and goal threat that could help fill this gap. His ability to pick out forward passes and carry the ball aligns with Guardiola’s style. His physicality addresses some midfield shortcomings City experienced last season.
Pep Guardiola’s midfield options now include a player with proven goal-scoring ability, passing range, and defensive work rate. Reijnders’ signing marks a significant step in City’s squad refresh. They aim to reclaim domestic and European honours following a season without major trophies.
Partnership Potential with Haaland and Marmoush
Reijnders’ arrival also promises to bolster the attacking efficiency of City’s frontline, particularly pairing well with Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush. His knack for late runs into the box and precise passing could increase goal-scoring opportunities for the strikers. Given his goal tally from midfield, Reijnders can contribute directly to the score sheet. While also setting up teammates, potentially improving the overall attacking output.
Haaland struggled last season with De Bruyne out of action, 22 goals in the Premier League. Even though he finished third in he scoring charts, it is a far cry from what we are usually used to seeing from him. Meanwhile, Marmoush’s debut season at City saw him net 7 goals and provide 2 assists. Perhaps a modest stat line for an attacker of his calibre, but something that can be improved with Reijnders functioning behind him.
Reijnders joins City just in time to be eligible for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. He may make his debut on 18 June against Wydad FC. His blend of experience from the Dutch league, Serie A, and international tournaments like Euro 2024 equips him well for the demands of the Premier League.
