Reijnders Joins City’s Spending Spree
Manchester City have completed their fourth summer signing, securing AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders for €55m (£46.6m), pushing their weekly transfer spending over £100m. The 26-year-old Netherlands midfielder follows Rayan Aït-Nouri (£36.3m from Wolves), Rayan Cherki (£34m from Lyon), and Marcus Bettinelli (free from Chelsea). All four are eligible for the Club World Cup, with City’s opener against Wydad AC set for June 18, 2025. Reijnders signed a five-year deal, bolstering Pep Guardiola’s squad after a trophyless 2024/25 season, where City finished third in the Premier League.
Reijnders’ Impact and Ambition
Reijnders, who earned Serie A’s Midfielder of the Season award (2024/25) with 15 goals and 5 assists in 54 games, adds dynamism to City’s midfield, replacing Kevin De Bruyne, who is Napoli-bound. His 205 shot-ending passages and 49 secondary chances created last season suit Guardiola’s system. “City are one of the biggest teams, with the best coach and world-class players,” Reijnders said. “Playing in the Premier League, where Dutch greats shone, is a dream. I want to help City win more titles.” His 23 Netherlands caps, including a Euro 2024 semi-final, enhance his pedigree.
City’s Broader Revamp
City’s 2025 spending, including January’s £180m on Omar Marmoush and others, totals £288m, reflecting their ambition post a lackluster season. Off the pitch, City appointed former Liverpool assistant Pepijn Lijnders to Guardiola’s staff and hired Anfield analyst James French as a set-piece coach. Director of football Hugo Viana praised Reijnders’ “energy, composure, and creativity,” noting his European experience. The signings outpaced rivals Manchester United and Chelsea, who also targeted Reijnders, with United now chasing Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and Chelsea eyeing Hugo Ekitike.
What’s Next?
Reijnders could debut at the Club World Cup, where City face Al-Hilal in the group stage, aiming to reclaim global dominance. Guardiola’s revamped squad, with Aït-Nouri and Cherki, targets a strong 2025/26 season. The transfer window reopens June 16 to September 1, but City’s early moves signal intent. United’s pursuit of Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres and Arsenal’s talks for Martin Zubimendi show rivals reacting. On X, @ManCity fans celebrate Reijnders’ arrival, while @PremierLeague notes City’s £288m spend as a benchmark for the transfer market.
