Juventus have not given up hope of signing Tijjani Reijnders from Manchester City. However, any move is likely to depend on how Enzo Maresca reshapes his midfield over the coming weeks.
Earlier this year, we covered reports from Italy suggesting the Serie A club believed Pep Guardiola’s eventual departure could reopen the Dutchman’s situation at the Etihad. That managerial change has now happened. As a result, the Italian media believe Juventus are still watching closely for an opportunity.
According to Tuttosport, Reijnders remains one of Luciano Spalletti’s preferred midfield targets. This is despite Manchester City’s squad entering a new era under Maresca.
Juventus willing to wait
Tijjani Reijnders is no longer being linked with a straightforward permanent transfer.
Instead, Tuttosport explain Juventus would ideally pursue a paid loan with an option to buy worth around €35m (£30.4m). This approach would allow the Italian club to delay a major financial commitment. In turn, they could assess the midfielder over a full season.
The report adds that Manchester City signed Reijnders from AC Milan for an initial €57.7m (£50m), with bonuses capable of taking the deal to €70m (£60.7m). His book value currently sits at around €46m (£39.9m). Therefore, a permanent sale is difficult unless City receive an acceptable offer.
Juventus are also dealing with their own financial limitations and are expected to need player sales before making another significant move. Tuttosport stress they are content to stay patient rather than force the issue. Instead, they are waiting to see whether Manchester City’s plans create an opening later in the window.
The newspaper also believes Reijnders’ successful spell at AC Milan could work in Juventus’ favour. The Netherlands international made 104 appearances for the Rossoneri, scoring 19 goals and providing nine assists before his move to England.
Maresca has his own midfield rebuild
Reijnders’ first season at Manchester City produced mixed results. After an encouraging start, he gradually lost prominence under Guardiola. However, he still finished the campaign with 50 appearances, seven goals and eight assists across all competitions.
Whether that remains relevant under Maresca is another question entirely.
Tuttosport point out that Manchester City’s midfield could look very different by the end of the window. For example, Bernardo Silva is expected to leave, Rodri continues to be linked with Real Madrid, Elliot Anderson has already arrived and Lille youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi is also on the club’s radar.
The Italian newspaper goes as far as suggesting another midfield arrival could have direct consequences for Reijnders’ future. Should City complete a move for Bouaddi after landing Anderson, competition for places would increase again and Juventus may feel their patience has been justified.
For now, though, everything appears to depend on Maresca’s assessment.
From Manchester City’s perspective, there seems little reason to rush into a decision before the new manager has settled on his preferred midfield options. If Reijnders quickly establishes himself under Maresca, Juventus’ hopes could disappear. If he finds himself on the fringes once more, the Serie A club will already have a plan in place.
Sportwitness
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