Manchester City have ignited the 2025 summer transfer window with a statement of intent, securing the signature of AC Milan’s dynamic midfielder Tijjani Reijnders in a deal that has earned the coveted ‘here we go’ confirmation from transfer insiders. The 24-year-old Dutch star, a long-standing target for Pep Guardiola, is set to join the Citizens for a reported €70 million (£58.9 million), marking the first major coup of City’s ambitious rebuild following a trophyless 2024-25 season. With the FIFA Club World Cup looming in the United States, this blockbuster move signals City’s determination to reclaim their dominance, blending Reijnders’ versatility with Guardiola’s tactical vision.
The transfer, finalized after intense negotiations with AC Milan, comes as City aim to bolster their midfield ahead of their Club World Cup opener against Wydad AC on June 18. Reijnders, who registered 20 goal contributions across all competitions last season, brings a rare blend of box-to-box energy, technical finesse, and defensive tenacity. “Tijjani Reijnders to Manchester City is a ‘Here we go!’” a transfer expert announced, confirming that personal terms were sealed days ago, with formal contracts now being finalized. City’s initial €60 million bid was rebuffed, but their improved offer met Milan’s demands, despite the Italian club’s reluctance to lose a player tied to a contract until 2030. “They want him for the Club World Cup, so as soon as possible,” an insider noted, underscoring City’s urgency to integrate Reijnders into their squad.
Guardiola, who personally championed the signing, sees Reijnders as a cornerstone of City’s midfield evolution, particularly after the departure of Kevin De Bruyne. While not a direct replacement for the Belgian maestro, Reijnders’ ability to dictate tempo and contribute offensively—evidenced by his eight goals and 12 assists in Serie A last season—makes him a perfect fit for City’s high-intensity system. “We need players who can help us get back to the top,” Guardiola said, reflecting on the club’s disappointing campaign, which saw them crash out early in the Champions League and lose the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace. Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak echoed this sentiment, admitting City “weren’t aggressive enough” in the previous transfer window, a mistake they’re rectifying with this early move.
Reijnders’ arrival is just the beginning of City’s summer overhaul. The club is also in advanced talks to sign Lyon’s attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki, with Guardiola personally engaging the 21-year-old to align on the club’s vision. Additionally, Wolves’ left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri is expected to join, with all parties anticipating a deal before the June 10 transfer deadline. “City are ready to attack the market,” a source close to the negotiations revealed, hinting at a potential trio of signings to bolster Guardiola’s squad for the expanded Club World Cup. The urgency stems from a unique 10-day transfer window opened on June 1, allowing clubs to register new players for the tournament.
The signing of Reijnders, a Netherlands international with 15 caps, also addresses City’s need for midfield depth after a season plagued by injuries and inconsistency. His versatility to play as a No. 8 or deeper-lying midfielder complements existing stars like Rodri, while his 87% pass completion rate and 2.3 key passes per game in Serie A highlight his creative spark. “He’s an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days,” Guardiola said of his ideal signing profile, a description that fits Reijnders perfectly. The Dutchman’s ability to ease the burden on teammates, as noted by analysts, will be crucial as City aim to integrate young talents like Claudio Echeverri, signed from River Plate in 2024.
For fans, Reijnders’ arrival is a beacon of hope after a season that saw City finish outside the Premier League’s top four. Social media buzzed with excitement, with one supporter posting, “Reijnders is a game-changer—City are back in business!” The move also signals a shift away from high-profile exits, with Jack Grealish’s omission from the Club World Cup squad fueling speculation about his departure. As City prepare to face Juventus and Al Ain in the tournament’s group stage, Reijnders’ signing marks the dawn of a new era, one where Guardiola’s relentless pursuit of excellence meets a hungry, revitalized squad ready to reclaim their place at the pinnacle of world football.
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