In Breaking News for football fans, Manchester City have officially signed Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan. The transfer deal is worth £46.5 million, and Reijnders has signed a five-year contract with the Premier League giants. This major transfer is a big move as City get ready for the Club World Cup in the United States.
Key Details of the Transfer
- Tijjani Reijnders, 26 years old, is a talented midfielder from the Netherlands.
- He becomes the fourth summer signing for Manchester City, joining Rayan Ait-Nouri, Marcus Bettinelli, and Rayan Cherki.
- The move comes just in time for Reijnders to join City’s squad for the Club World Cup, which starts on 18 June against Wydad FC in Philadelphia.
- Reijnders said he is “ecstatic” to join one of the best teams in the world, praising Pep Guardiola, the club’s facilities, and the chance to win trophies.
Reijnders to Fill Midfield Gap After De Bruyne Exit
Reijnders’ arrival comes at a very important time for Manchester City. With star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne leaving the club, there is a big gap to fill in the center of the pitch. Reijnders, known for his strong passing, energy, and goal-scoring ability, is expected to play a key role in City’s new midfield setup.
- Last season, he scored 15 goals in 54 matches across all competitions for AC Milan.
- He was named Serie A Midfielder of the Season.
- He has played 23 times for the Netherlands national team, although he did not play in the recent match against Malta.
City’s Big Plans for the Club World Cup
Manchester City are not holding back when it comes to the Club World Cup. Their latest signings show that they are serious about winning the tournament.
- Besides Reijnders, City also signed Rayan Cherki and Rayan Ait-Nouri, as well as goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli.
- These signings cost the club around £108 million, which is still less than what it would have cost to sign Germany’s Florian Wirtz, a player they were also considering.
- City’s first match in the Club World Cup will be against Wydad AC on 18 June.
What Reijnders Brings to the Team
Reijnders is a strong and fast box-to-box midfielder. His style of play is expected to match well with Guardiola’s tactical system.
- He scored 10 goals and made 4 assists last season in Serie A.
- He was ranked among the top 10 players in Italy for forward passes, through balls, and long-distance ball carries.
- He was involved in 205 attacking plays that ended in shots – more than any other player in the league.
- Reijnders also ranked second in Serie A for creating second chances, which means he helped other players get into the right positions to make chances for teammates.
City Going Through Big Changes
Manchester City are going through what many are calling a “midfield revolution.” Several players like Jack Grealish, Kalvin Phillips, and James McAtee may be on their way out. Even defenders like Kyle Walker could leave the club.
- Guardiola is focused on building a younger, faster, and more physical team.
- Injuries to players like Mateo Kovacic and the need to replace aging stars like Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan have made new signings necessary.
According to Italian football expert Daniele Verri, Reijnders is the perfect fit: “He runs a lot, wants to keep improving, and will enjoy working under Guardiola.”
This signing is one of today’s top Daily news highlights in football. As Manchester City prepare for a tough season and an important tournament, all eyes will be on how Reijnders performs in the heart of the midfield.