Manchester City have made a huge breakthrough in the summer transfer window. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano first reported that Manchester City have reached a verbal agreement with AC Milan to sign Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders for a fee worth €70m (£58.9m). The deal, which was finalised in recent days, marks Pep Guardiola’s first major contract until 2025 and fills a significant creative void left by the departure of Kevin De Bruyne.
The major deal includes an initial guaranteed fee of €55m (£46.3m), with €15m (£12.6m) in performance-related add-ons. Reijnders has already agreed a five-year deal with the Premier League giants, which will see him secure his future at the Etihad Stadium until 2030.
Personal terms were agreed earlier this week, and the clubs are now finalising formal documents. Reijnders is expected to undergo his medical next week while on international duty with the Netherlands.
The 26-year-old was Serie A’s standout midfielder last season, earning the league’s Midfielder of the Year award after scoring 15 goals and providing a host of assists in all competitions.
President Khaldoon Al Mubarak has vowed to move “very quickly” in the transfer market this summer after Milan’s disappointing eighth-place finish in the league. Securing Reijnders ahead of the Club World Cup (starting on June 18), with registrations closing on June 10, is a priority. His arrival kicks off a much-needed midfield overhaul following the departure of De Bruyne and inconsistent performances last campaign. Teammate Nathan Aké has described Reijnders as a “top player” and one who will play “very important” roles for the Netherlands.
Reijnders is currently with the Netherlands squad preparing for World Cup qualifiers against Finland (June 7) and Malta (June 10). Barring unforeseen problems, he could make his debut for City against Wydad AC in Philadelphia on June 18. With Reijnders secured, City’s attention turns to other targets, including Lyon playmaker Ryan Cherki and Wolves left-back Ryan At-Nouri.
