Manchester City have officially completed the signing of AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, marking the first major acquisition of their summer rebuild ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. The 26-year-old Netherlands international has joined the Premier League champions for a reported €55 million (£46.3 million) fixed fee, with additional bonuses potentially pushing the total to €70 million. Reijnders, who has signed a five-year contract, expressed his excitement about the move, citing the opportunity to work under Pep Guardiola and participate in the upcoming global tournament as key factors in his decision.
The transfer, finalized on June 11, 2025, follows a swift negotiation process between Manchester City and AC Milan. Reijnders underwent a medical in Manchester on Sunday, temporarily leaving the Netherlands national team camp between World Cup qualifying matches against Finland and Malta. His commitment to completing the transfer was evident, as he told Gazzetta dello Sport, “I couldn’t wait any longer. The plan is to take part at the Club World Cup with City.” The deal was pushed through to meet the registration deadline for the tournament, which closes on June 10, though City’s first match is scheduled against Wydad AC on June 18.
Reijnders, who scored 10 goals in 37 Serie A appearances for Milan this season, brings versatility and dynamism to City’s midfield. Capable of playing as a deep-lying playmaker or in a more advanced role, he is expected to complement Rodri or provide additional attacking impetus. His progressive passing, ranked ninth for forward passes and fifth for through balls in Serie A last term, aligns with Guardiola’s tactical demands. Italian football journalist Daniele Verri praised the Dutchman’s fit, noting, “He runs a lot, he’s very willing to improve, and he will love working with Guardiola.”
The move comes as part of Manchester City’s broader squad overhaul, with sporting directors Txiki Begiristain and Hugo Viana navigating a busy transfer window. Reijnders’ arrival follows the signing of Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri for £31 million, and reports suggest Lyon’s Rayan Cherki could soon join, with a €35 million deal in discussion. City’s focus on reinforcing their squad stems from a trophyless 2024-25 season, where a lack of midfield physicality was exposed. Reijnders, at the peak of his powers, is seen as a solution to bolster the engine room.
However, the transfer has sparked some debate. Reijnders’ enthusiasm for the Club World Cup contrasts with reported reservations from some City players about the tournament’s timing amid a congested schedule. Additionally, his departure from Milan, where he was named the 2024-25 Serie A MVP, has left the Rossoneri facing a rebuild after finishing eighth in the league. A portion of the transfer fee will also benefit AZ Alkmaar, Reijnders’ former club, which is entitled to 10% of the fixed amount.
Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo, a Netherlands teammate, endorsed the move, stating, “He has already proven it at AC Milan. He can now show it at Manchester City.” As City prepare for their Club World Cup campaign and the second phase of the summer transfer window, Reijnders’ arrival signals their intent to reclaim domestic and European dominance.