Pep Guardiola will be hoping that Manchester City’s summer business puts them in good stead to compete to win the Premier League and the Champions League next season at the very least.
As things stand, Manchester City have a way to go to be considered worthy opponents for both Liverpool and Arsenal in the following campaign but a transformative window could change their fortunes.
Pep Guardiola has had his struggles at Manchester City in the past, such as during his first season in charge at the Etihad Stadium.
But in the 2017/2018 season, the Catalan responded like the serial winner he is by leading City to the league title as they accrued a historic 100 points and blew away their competition.
At the time, City brought in several big-hitters to freshen up their squad, such as Kyle Walker, Bernardo Silva and Ederson Moraes to name a few.
Man City agree personal terms with AC Milan star Tijjani Reijnders
This summer as well, the Sky Blues have been linked with a whole host of difference-makers, with Florian Wirtz and Tijjani Reijnders being the standout names.
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Manchester City are huge admirers of Reijnders and they believe he would be the ideal candidate to reinvigorate their midfield.
Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/AC Milan via Getty Images
Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/AC Milan via Getty Images
Now, Sky Sports have reported that Manchester City have agreed personal terms to sign the Dutchman as well.
City are expected to submit a written proposal to sign Reijnders in the next few days but for the time being, personal terms have been struck, as the player dreams of being coached by Pep Guardiola.
The 26-year-old believes the Etihad Stadium would be the perfect destination for him to develop as a midfielder: a school of thought that has led him to snub a move to Real Madrid, who have also targeted his signature.
While AC Milan are demanding €65 million (£54.7 million) for Reijnders, who Milos Kerkez considers “unbelievable”, Manchester City could end up signing him for €50 million (£42.1 million) — in a deal that could include performance-related add-ons.
How highly Pep Guardiola rates Reijnders
But ultimately, it is Pep Guardiola whose opinion matters most on any player City sign in what is set to be their most important transfer window in years.
Thankfully for Hugo Viana, Guardiola is a huge fan of Reijnders — who seems happy to leave AC Milan despite extending his contract at the San Siro until 2030 in March.
So much so that the Catalan tactician believes that Reijnders’ addition could help Manchester City win the title as soon as next season.
The prospect of the Zwolle-born technician and Rodri playing in tandem is certainly one that should frighten their opponents in the following campaign.