Manchester City have confirmed the departure of Tijjani Reijnders to Al Qadsiah after just 12 months at the Etihad Stadium.
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Tijjani Reijnders joined Manchester City from Italian giants AC Milan in a deal worth around £46 million just last summer in an attempt to bolster their midfield following the departure of Kevin De Bruyne, who had left for Napoli on a free transfer.
City are undergoing another summer of rebuilding after Pep Guardiola brought the curtain down on a decade of remarkable success at the Etihad Stadium in May, with former Leicester City and Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca taking over as manager.
The Blues have seen their midfield freshen up significantly this summer too, with Bernardo Silva and Rodri joining Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively after helping Manchester City win the Carabao Cup and FA Cup double last term.
Man City confirm Reijnders exit to Al Qadsiah
Having recruited Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for a club record £116 million in June, Manchester City have now sanctioned the permanent exit of Tijjani Reijnders, who has completed a £52 million move to Saudi Pro League title hopefuls Al Qadsiah.
Reijnders has signed a five-year contract in Saudi Arabia, moving on from Manchester City just 12 months on from making a brilliant start to life in England.
Upon his exit from the Etihad Stadium, Reijnders told the club's official website, "I have been incredibly privileged to play for Manchester City, and I have relished every minute of my time here.
“From the very moment I arrived, everyone at the Club – players, coaches and staff - made me feel so welcome and a part of the Manchester City family. I would also like to say a special thank you to the City fans who were so warm and supportive both to me and my family.
“To be part of the squad that won two such special trophies last season were both incredible experiences and achievements that I will savour forever. I may be moving on but I will always have a special place in my heart for Manchester City.”
Director of football Hugo Viana added, "Tijjani more than made his mark across his time here at Manchester City. He impressed everyone with his talent, application, hard work and total dedication and was the perfect professional.
“And he played a very important part across both our successful campaigns in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup. We thank Tijjani for everything he has done here and wish him every success as he now embarks on the next stage of his career.”
How did Tijjani Reijnders fare at Man City?
The Netherlands international joined Manchester City after a breakthrough season in Serie A and produced a sensational Premier League debut display against Wolves on the opening matchday of the 2025/26 season.
The Dutchman went on to become a regular starter for the Blues in the first-half of the season, though his output faded gradually as the campaign went on, with Rayan Cherki taking his place in the starting line-up post-November 2025.
However, Manchester City will be happy to sanction the sale as Tijjani Reijnders was unlikely to be a regular starter under Enzo Maresca amid the rebuild the Blues are orchestrating in the middle of the park.
Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi and Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez remain on City's target list after the exits of Rodri and Reijnders, with Hugo Viana facing a race against time to fill a significant void in the middle of the park before the September 1 transfer deadline.