As the summer transfer window of 2025 heats up, Manchester City are making bold moves to reshape their midfield, with Pep Guardiola setting his sights on a spectacular signing to bolster the squad. The Premier League giants have initiated formal club-to-club talks with AC Milan to secure the services of Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, a versatile 26-year-old who has emerged as their top target for the No. 8 role. “We’ve started discussions, and we’re confident,” a City insider revealed, signaling their intent to wrap up the deal swiftly ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup in June. With Kevin De Bruyne’s departure looming and questions surrounding Bernardo Silva’s future, Reijnders represents a dynamic addition to a midfield in transition.
Reijnders, who joined Milan from AZ Alkmaar in 2023, has enjoyed a breakout 2024-25 season, notching 10 goals and five assists in Serie A. His ability to play as a defensive, central, or attacking midfielder aligns perfectly with Guardiola’s tactical demands. “He’s a player who can transform our midfield,” Guardiola reportedly told his staff, impressed by Reijnders’ work rate and technical quality. The Dutchman’s recent contract extension with Milan until 2030 has driven his valuation to €65 million, though City believe a deal could be struck for around €50 million plus bonuses. “We’re not under pressure to sell, but City’s interest is serious,” a Milan source noted, hinting at ongoing negotiations that could yield a significant financial windfall for the Rossoneri.
City’s pursuit of Reijnders comes after they cooled their interest in Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, whose €100 million-plus price tag proved too steep. Instead, Guardiola has pivoted to Reijnders, who is said to be “prioritising” a move to the Etihad, drawn by the chance to work under the legendary coach. “Tijjani is a great admirer of Pep’s time at Barcelona,” a source close to the player said. “He believes Pep can make him world-class.” This enthusiasm has fueled optimism at City, who are also considering Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White as an alternative but see Reijnders as the ideal fit to partner Rodri, their defensive midfield anchor recently bolstered by a £50 million January signing of Porto’s Nico González.
The transfer push reflects City’s broader strategy to streamline their squad. With 32 players currently listed, Guardiola has emphasized his desire for a leaner group of 21 or 22, a move that could see fringe players like Jack Grealish, whose limited starts have sparked exit rumors, depart. Reijnders’ versatility offers tactical flexibility, allowing him to fill multiple roles in City’s fluid system. His 32.4 passes per 90 minutes in the attacking third, second only to Jeremy Doku among Europe’s top leagues, underscores his creative flair, making him a potential successor to De Bruyne’s playmaking legacy.
Off the pitch, Reijnders’ professionalism and adaptability have earned praise. His 15 goal contributions in Serie A this season have drawn interest from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, but City’s advanced talks give them the edge. The club’s recent FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace, where De Bruyne couldn’t inspire a comeback, highlighted the need for fresh midfield dynamism. As City prepare for the Club World Cup, where they’ll face global heavyweights, Reijnders’ potential arrival could be a game-changer. With negotiations set to intensify, fans are buzzing with anticipation, eager to see if the Dutch star can help City reclaim their Premier League dominance and shine on the world stage.
# Man City’s Pursuit of Tijjani Reijnders for 2025
## A Bold Midfield Move
Manchester City have launched formal talks with AC Milan to sign Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, their top target for the No. 8 role. “We’ve started discussions, and we’re confident,” a club insider said, with a deal expected to move quickly ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. The 26-year-old’s 10 goals and five assists in Serie A this season highlight his versatility as a defensive, central, or attacking midfielder, making him a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola’s system.
## Reijnders’ Rise and City’s Strategy
Reijnders, who joined Milan from AZ Alkmaar in 2023, has a €65 million valuation after signing a new deal until 2030. City believe €50 million plus bonuses could seal the transfer. “We’re not under pressure to sell, but City’s interest is serious,” a Milan source noted. With Kevin De Bruyne set to leave and Bernardo Silva’s future uncertain, Reijnders is seen as a long-term solution. “He’s a player who can transform our midfield,” Guardiola reportedly said, eyeing his 32.4 passes per 90 minutes in the attacking third.
## Outpacing Rivals
City pivoted to Reijnders after deeming Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz too expensive. The Dutchman, a “great admirer” of Guardiola’s Barcelona era, is “prioritising” the Etihad move, believing Pep can elevate him to world-class status. Despite interest from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, City’s advanced talks give them pole position. Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White remains an alternative, but Reijnders is the priority to pair with Rodri, bolstered by January signing Nico González.
## Squad Overhaul and Future Glory
Guardiola’s push for a leaner 21- or 22-man squad, down from 32, could see players like Jack Grealish depart. The FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace underscored the need for midfield dynamism. Reijnders’ arrival could redefine City’s engine room, offering creativity and work rate as they aim to dominate the Premier League and shine at the Club World Cup.
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