Tijjani Reijnders is set to embark on the next chapter of his meteoric rise, this time under the glittering lights of the Premier League with Manchester City.
After two transformative seasons in Italy, the Dutch midfielder will soon swap the red and black of Milan for the sky blue of City in a transfer reportedly worth €70m including bonuses, which means he could become the club’s record sale.
Reijnders arrived at Milan in 2023 for a modest €20.5m fee from AZ Alkmaar as a signing that barely registered on the global radar at the time. But under the club’s post-Tonali midfield rebuild, he became an instant linchpin.
In a volatile environment plagued by coaching instability, player unrest, and fan discontent, Reijnders stood tall as arguably Milan’s most consistent and productive presence.
Over the 2024–25 season, he delivered 20 goal contributions across 54 matches, including 10 goals and five assists in Serie A alone. His output – 0.43 goals per 90 minutes over 3,132 minutes – was extraordinary, particularly given his deeper midfield positioning.
But what truly set Reijnders apart was his ability to control chaos, to bring rhythm and incisiveness even when the system around him faltered.
Reijnders Man City
Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Statistically, he sits in the 97th percentile for non-penalty goals and the 96th percentile for progressive carries among central midfielders, which is elite company by any measure. These traits are possibly what drew Manchester City’s attention, especially as the club prepares for life beyond Kevin De Bruyne.
Replacing De Bruyne is, in many ways, an impossible task. The Belgian has redefined what it means to be a modern attacking midfielder. But in Reijnders, City have identified a player with the tactical maturity to orchestrate play from deep, while also thriving in advanced areas as a dynamic 8/10 hybrid.
His eye for goal and ability to progress the ball could offer Guardiola a versatile weapon to recalibrate City’s midfield for the next generation.
The timing, however, is striking. Reijnders signed a contract extension earlier this year, committing to Milan until 2030. Set to turn 27 next month, he was widely expected to spend his prime years in Italy. But City’s intent was clear. Time is of the essence, especially with the Club World Cup looming in the foreground.
While some might baulk at the €70m fee, context is key. This is a club that spent €60m on Nico González, €62m on Matheus Nunes, and €49m on Kalvin Phillips. Reijnders’ current form, age, and contract status suggest Milan may be underselling an asset they nurtured into world-class status.
Beyond tactics and economics lies the human angle. Reijnders is understood to be happy at Milan. But few can ignore the allure of Manchester City. The Premier League remains the pinnacle for many, and the chance to compete for Champions League titles under Pep Guardiola is a pull that most players would struggle to resist.
For Milan, the move prompts a period of reckoning. With Igli Tare newly appointed, the task of reinvesting wisely and recalibrating the club’s ambitions falls squarely on his shoulders. Reijnders’ exit is more than just the departure of a top player: it marks a symbolic passing of an era, a test of Milan’s ability to retain talent and sustain momentum.
As Reijnders prepares to join City’s constellation of stars, one thing is certain: he is no longer the unknown gem from Alkmaar. He is a proven force, now stepping onto a bigger stage, ready to write his next act under the bright lights of the Etihad.