Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Dutch international Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan on a five-year deal, continuing their busy summer transfer window. The 26-year-old midfielder joins Pep Guardiola’s side for a reported fee of £46.3 million, becoming City’s fourth signing in just three days.
Reijnders, who starred for AC Milan in the 2024/25 season with 15 goals from midfield, is expected to bring energy, creativity, and composure to a Manchester City squad looking to bounce back after a disappointing campaign. City finished third in the Premier League last season and suffered an early Champions League exit, prompting chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak to admit that the club “probably should have been more aggressive” in the transfer market.
Now, with the arrival of Reijnders, City are clearly making up for lost time.
A Busy Week at the Etihad
Reijnders is the headline name in a week that has seen Manchester City act swiftly to rebuild their squad. On Tuesday, they announced the arrivals of Lyon attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki and Chelsea’s third-choice goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli. That followed Monday’s signing of Wolves left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri.
All four players join ahead of City’s trip to the FIFA Club World Cup, with the Premier League champions set to defend their title in the newly-expanded 32-team format in the United States. They kick off their campaign against Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca on June 18 in Philadelphia.
The deal is sealed ✍️ pic.twitter.com/jDC9vsN7C5
— Manchester City (@ManCity) June 11, 2025
Reijnders Delighted with Dream Move
The Dutch midfielder was visibly thrilled after sealing his move to the Etihad.
“I am ecstatic to be signing for Manchester City,” Reijnders said after putting pen to paper.
“City are one of the biggest teams in the world, with the best coach, world-class players, and outstanding facilities. I can’t wait to get started.”
Reijnders brings valuable experience at both club and international level. After making a name for himself at AZ Alkmaar, he joined AC Milan in 2023 and quickly became a key figure at the San Siro. His performances in Serie A and the Champions League drew attention across Europe, and now he joins a City team known for turning top players into world-beaters.
City Rebuild Midfield After De Bruyne Exit
With Kevin De Bruyne’s departure earlier this summer, Reijnders is seen as a major part of Guardiola’s midfield refresh. Though not a direct replacement, the Dutchman offers a different kind of midfield presence — one based on clever movement, high work rate, and an eye for goal.
City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, praised the new signing’s versatility and experience.
“We are very happy that Tijjani has joined us and we’re excited for him to join Pep’s squad,” said Viana.
“He arrives here with extensive top-level experience in Europe, both at club level as well as on the international stage with the Netherlands.”
“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.”
Guardiola has always valued technically gifted midfielders who can operate in tight spaces, and Reijnders fits the mold perfectly. His ability to break lines with passes, press aggressively, and arrive late in the box makes him a natural fit for City’s style of play.
Reijnders’ Rise Through European Football
Born in Zwolle, Netherlands, Reijnders began his professional career with Jong AZ before breaking into the AZ Alkmaar first team. His breakthrough season came in 2022/23, when he helped lead AZ deep into the UEFA Europa Conference League. A move to AC Milan followed, where he further elevated his game, scoring and assisting consistently in Serie A.
His performances didn’t go unnoticed by the Dutch national team either, earning him call-ups and appearances for the Netherlands in competitive fixtures. His composure on the ball, tactical intelligence, and knack for scoring crucial goals have made him one of Europe’s most promising midfielders.
Getting to know Tijjani ️ pic.twitter.com/bGZ4pRDkR1
— Manchester City (@ManCity) June 11, 2025
Now, at Manchester City, Reijnders steps onto an even bigger stage, ready to prove himself under Pep Guardiola and compete for top honours in England and Europe.
The signing of Reijnders not only strengthens City’s midfield but also signals the club’s intent to return stronger next season. With more signings likely on the horizon, the Etihad is buzzing with energy once again — and Reijnders is right at the heart of it.
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