Manchester City have officially signed Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan in a deal valued at £46.3 million ($64.47 million), as the Premier League giants continue an aggressive summer rebuild following an underwhelming 2024/25 season.
The 26-year-old Netherlands international signed a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium and becomes City’s fourth signing in a whirlwind week of transfer activity.
The deal was announced just days before City begin their Club World Cup campaign, for which Reijnders will be eligible.
City also secured the services of French midfielder Rayan Cherki from Lyon for £30.5 million, goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli from Chelsea, and left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £31.3 million—all moves completed within the last three days.
Reijnders joins from AC Milan, where he stood out as a bright spot in a disappointing campaign that saw the Italian giants finish eighth in Serie A and fail to qualify for European competition.
Despite the team’s struggles, the midfielder impressed with 15 goals across all competitions, showcasing both scoring ability and composure in central midfield.
His arrival at City is expected to provide a much-needed boost following the departure of talismanic midfielder Kevin De Bruyne earlier this summer.
Reijnders is known for his vision, work rate, and ability to operate both as a deep-lying playmaker and an advanced attacking threat.
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Reacting to the transfer, Reijnders said:
“I am ecstatic to be signing for Manchester City. City are one of the biggest teams in the world, with the best coach, world-class players, and outstanding facilities.
“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 a dream come true to play in the Premier League. This league has seen many of the best Dutch players perform through the years, and it’s an inspiration to follow in their footsteps.”
Director of football Hugo Viana described Reijnders as a dynamic addition to the team, emphasizing his potential to thrive under Guardiola’s system.
“Tijjani adds extra energy, composure and creativity to our midfield, and working with Pep and our coaches will only see him go from strength to strength.”
City’s recent signings reflect a larger strategic overhaul that began in January with the additions of Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis. The club is keen to reassert its dominance after failing to retain the Premier League title and crashing out of the Champions League before the round of 16.
City’s first Club World Cup match is scheduled for June 18 against Wydad Casablanca of Morocco. Group stage matches against Al Ain (Abu Dhabi) and Juventus will follow. With a strengthened squad and fresh midfield leadership, the reigning English champions aim to make a statement on the global stage.
NAN
