Manchester City have completed the signing of Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan for an initial £46.5m, strengthening Pep Guardiola’s midfield ahead of this month’s Club World Cup in the United States.
Reijnders, 26, arrives on a five-year deal and becomes the fourth new face at the Etihad this summer, joining Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, and Marcus Bettinelli. The Netherlands international could make his debut on 18 June against Moroccan champions Wydad AC in Philadelphia.
“I’m ecstatic to be signing for Manchester City,” said Reijnders. “City are one of the biggest teams in the world, with the best coach, world-class players and outstanding facilities. I want to help the club continue their success under Pep Guardiola.”
The midfielder was named Serie A Midfielder of the Season after an impressive 2024/25 campaign with Milan, in which he scored 15 goals across all competitions and stood out despite the club’s eighth-place finish and failure to qualify for Europe.
His arrival comes at a time of transition for City. With Kevin de Bruyne departing and long-time midfielders like Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic ageing or injured, Guardiola is reshaping the engine room of a side that finished third in the Premier League and ended the season without silverware for the first time in eight years.
Despite interest in Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, City opted to spread their investment, signing Reijnders, Cherki, and Ait-Nouri for a combined fee of around £108m — a more financially prudent approach compared to Wirtz’s £127m price tag.
Reijnders’ signing is seen not only as a replacement for De Bruyne, but as a complement to defensive midfielder Rodri. His dynamic, box-to-box style, high stamina, and offensive instincts offer a contrast to the more measured play of his Spanish counterpart.
Edu Rubio, former coach at West Ham and Wolves, believes Reijnders is a perfect fit: “He’s a tireless engine who will complement Rodri well. His ability to play in tight spaces and his physicality will be crucial for adapting to the Premier League.”
Reijnders was among Serie A’s best in multiple metrics last season. He ranked ninth for forward passes, fifth for through balls, and seventh for ball carries over 10 metres. His versatility and ball progression skills will offer Guardiola new tactical options, especially in transitional play.
Crucially, he led all Serie A players in passages of play ending in a shot (205), and ranked second in secondary chances created (49) — evidence of his ability to link midfield and attack and bring the best out of his teammates.
“Reijnders has improved massively since joining Milan,” said Italian journalist Daniele Verri. “He will love working under Guardiola, and his attitude and work rate are exactly what City need during this period of transition.”
City’s midfield reshuffle could continue, with Kalvin Phillips, James McAtee, and Jack Grealish all reportedly available for transfer. Kyle Walker, who spent the latter half of last season on loan, is also expected to leave.
The addition of Reijnders marks a strategic move by City to bolster their squad not just for domestic duties, but to mount a serious challenge in the expanded Club World Cup format. With squad depth now reinforced, Guardiola’s men will aim to begin their American adventure on a high.
For Reijnders, the task is clear: help restore City’s dominance — and perhaps begin a new era in midfield with the same ambition that brought trophies to Manchester in years past.
