Manchester City's Tijjani Reijnders is reportedly on the move again, this time to the Saudi Pro-League with Al-Qadsiah. The Dutch midfielder, who joined City from AC Milan for £46.5 million last summer, is set to leave for a staggering £52 million. Despite a promising start to his City career, Reijnders' time at the club has been somewhat underwhelming. He struggled to make a significant impact, scoring just seven goals in 47 appearances, especially in Pep Guardiola's final season at the club.
The 28-year-old's potential departure is part of a larger midfield overhaul at City. The future of Rodri, the World Cup player of the tournament, is uncertain, and there's interest in signing Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea. Reijnders' own future is also uncertain, as he trained separately from the main squad on Thursday, ahead of a potential move to Al-Qadsiah, managed by former Liverpool, Celtic, and Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers.
Reijnders' time at City has been a bit of a rollercoaster. He started brightly, but his impact waned over time. His performance at the 2026 World Cup, where he made three appearances, didn't help his case either. He started group games against Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia but missed the last 16 tie against Morocco, which the Dutch lost on penalties. This move to Saudi Arabia could be a fresh start for Reijnders, offering him a new challenge and a chance to prove himself in a different league.
However, it's also a bit of a surprise. City's midfield is already deep, and Reijnders' departure would leave a hole. But with the potential arrival of Fernandez, City might be looking to refresh their midfield and bring in new talent. This move also highlights the growing trend of top players moving to the Saudi Pro-League, which is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for top talent.
In my opinion, this move is a bit of a gamble for Reijnders. While it offers a new challenge, it also means leaving a club with high expectations and a strong squad. He'll need to adapt quickly and make a significant impact in Saudi Arabia to justify the hefty price tag. It'll be interesting to see how this unfolds and whether Reijnders can make the most of this opportunity.
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