Tijjani Reijnders has ended his brief stint at Manchester City, sealing a permanent transfer to Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah in a deal worth in the region of £51-52 million. The Dutch international's move to the Middle East comes just twelve months after he arrived at the Etihad Stadium from AC Milan for approximately £46.5 million.
The 28-year-old midfielder made 50 appearances for City across all competitions, contributing seven goals during a campaign that saw the club lift both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. That domestic cup double, achieved in what turned out to be Pep Guardiola's final season at the helm, remains the standout highlight of Reijnders' short time in Manchester, despite his struggles to consistently establish himself as a key figure in the side.
Reflecting on his time at the club, Reijnders expressed gratitude for the experience. "I have been incredibly privileged to play for Manchester City, and I have relished every minute of my time here," he said. He added, "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," before thanking supporters for their warmth toward him and his family throughout his stay.
His exit adds to what has been a turbulent transfer window for City, who have already bid farewell to several established figures. Rodri completed a switch to Barcelona worth £65 million, while Bernardo Silva departed as a free agent to join Real Madrid once his contract expired. John Stones and Nathan Ake have also left the club, underlining the scale of the squad overhaul taking place under new boss Enzo Maresca following Guardiola's departure.
Signs that Reijnders' departure was imminent emerged when Maresca omitted him from the matchday squad for City's Community Shield clash against Arsenal, which the Gunners won comfortably 3-0 in Cardiff. That heavy defeat appears to have accelerated the club's determination to reshape the squad before the transfer window closes.
At international level, Reijnders had been a regular starter for the Netherlands during the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, though he was an unused substitute as his side were eliminated in the last 32 by Morocco.
Reijnders is reported to have agreed a five-year contract with Al-Qadsiah, where he will link up with former Liverpool and Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers. The Saudi club marked the signing with a brief but pointed message on social media, stating: "Some signings just complete the picture. This one's ours."
For Manchester City, the focus now shifts to reinforcing a midfield that has lost significant experience this summer. The club has already brought in Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for a reported £116 million, and Reijnders' departure could accelerate efforts to sign Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi, with talks described as advanced. City are also continuing to explore the possibility of luring Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez to the Etihad, while Spain international Nico Gonzalez has been linked with a move away to Newcastle.
Maresca has openly acknowledged the need for further additions as he looks to rebuild a squad capable of reclaiming the Premier League title after two seasons without the trophy. City begin their campaign against Bournemouth at home, before facing Crystal Palace and newly promoted Coventry City ahead of the first Manchester derby of the season on 13 September, by which point further squad changes are expected.
Based on reporting from The Independent and BBC Sport.