Liam Duckstein
Manchester City have made a decisive move in the summer transfer market, agreeing a €55 million deal to bring Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan to the Etihad on a five-year contract, according to sources close to the club.
The 26-year-old arrives after a standout 2024/25 campaign where he netted 15 goals across all competitions and was crowned Serie A’s best midfielder — no small feat considering Milan’s underwhelming eighth-place finish. Despite team struggles, Reijnders consistently delivered with composure and versatility, attributes that will be crucial for Pep Guardiola as he reshapes his midfield core.
Reijnders joined Milan in 2023 and had extended his contract until 2030 just months ago. But City’s interest — intensified by the departure of Kevin De Bruyne — opened the door for a high-profile Premier League switch. Though the player has publicly stated that negotiations are still ongoing, the framework of the deal appears set.
“The Premier League is, of course, a great league, you dream of that as a little boy. I haven’t had any contact with Pep Guardiola yet,” Reijnders told Dutch outlet Voetbal International.
The Dutch international, who has 22 caps, is currently preparing for the Netherlands’ 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Finland and Malta. His impending move adds intrigue to City’s midfield evolution, especially with De Bruyne’s legacy — six Premier League titles, a Champions League, and a Club World Cup — looming large.
City, having narrowly secured third place in the Premier League last season, are eyeing a bounce-back year. They’ll kick off their Club World Cup campaign on June 18th against Wydad AC, with further Group G clashes against Al Ain and Juventus. The addition of Reijnders injects both depth and dynamism ahead of these crucial fixtures.
From a betting perspective, City’s odds for the Club World Cup are likely to shift with Reijnders’ arrival, offering punters new angles on midfield-driven outcomes and possession-based match control. Keep an eye on in-play markets — especially assists, goals from midfield, and pass completion props — as Guardiola integrates his latest acquisition.