Manchester City have ignited the 2025 summer transfer window with a seismic move, finalizing a £58.9m deal for AC Milan’s dynamic midfielder Tijjani Reijnders. The Dutch star, a standout in Serie A and a rising force on the European stage, is set to join the Premier League champions, marking a significant coup for Pep Guardiola’s squad as they aim to reclaim their dominance. The transfer, described as a “here we go” moment by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, underscores City’s ambition to rebuild their midfield following a challenging season and the departure of club legend Kevin De Bruyne.
The agreement, valued at approximately €70m, was sealed with a verbal pact between Manchester City and AC Milan, with personal terms finalized days earlier. Reijnders, now en route to Manchester for medical tests, is poised to become a cornerstone of City’s midfield revamp. “Tijjani Reijnders to Manchester City, here we go!” Romano declared, emphasizing the swift progress of negotiations. The 26-year-old’s versatility, composure, and attacking flair have made him a prime target for Guardiola, who has prioritized midfield reinforcements to address the void left by De Bruyne’s exit and Rodri’s season-ending knee injury.
Reijnders’ journey to the Etihad is a testament to his meteoric rise. In the 2024-25 Serie A campaign, he delivered an impressive 10 goals and five assists, showcasing his ability to influence games from box to box. His performances in the Champions League, where he netted three goals in 10 appearances, further elevated his stock, drawing interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona. However, Manchester City emerged as frontrunners, their persistence paying off as they outmaneuvered competitors to secure the Dutchman’s signature. “Since April, Reijnders has always been Guardiola’s priority,” a source close to the deal noted, highlighting City’s long-term pursuit of the midfielder.
The transfer comes at a critical juncture for Manchester City, who have faced an uncharacteristically turbulent season. A dismal run of just one win in 13 matches across all competitions late in 2024 exposed vulnerabilities in their squad, exacerbated by Rodri’s absence and a dip in form among key players. Despite recent back-to-back Premier League victories, City remain 12 points behind league leaders Liverpool, making their transfer activity all the more urgent. Reijnders’ arrival, alongside reported interest in Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, signals the start of a £225m squad overhaul aimed at restoring City’s competitive edge.
Reijnders brings a unique blend of technical prowess and physicality to the Etihad. His ability to dictate tempo, break lines with incisive passes, and contribute defensively aligns perfectly with Guardiola’s tactical demands. “It’s a deal almost done,” a club insider remarked, with formal steps expected to finalize the transfer ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. The Dutch international’s adaptability will be crucial as City navigate a congested fixture list, including domestic and European challenges. His two goals in the Italian Cup this season further underscore his knack for delivering in high-stakes moments.
For fans, Reijnders’ signing is a beacon of hope after a testing period. The departure of De Bruyne, a six-time Premier League winner with an unmatched assist record, left a creative void that Reijnders is expected to help fill. While replacing De Bruyne’s genius is no small task, Reijnders’ youth, hunger, and versatility offer a fresh dynamic. “Man City are advancing strong on the market,” Romano noted, hinting at further moves as City aim to bolster their attack and defense. The club’s pursuit of Cherki, with personal terms reportedly agreed, suggests more fireworks are on the horizon.
As Reijnders prepares to don the sky-blue jersey, anticipation is building at the Etihad. His medical tests and contract signing are imminent, marking the final steps in a transfer that could redefine City’s midfield. With Guardiola’s vision steering the ship, Reijnders’ arrival is not just a statement of intent but a bold step toward reclaiming Premier League glory and making waves in Europe. Manchester City’s summer rebuild is in full swing, and the Dutch maestro is ready to play his part.
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