In the ever-shifting landscape of European football, Manchester City are poised to make waves with a daring transfer strategy. The Premier League champions, under the meticulous guidance of Pep Guardiola, are reportedly preparing to open negotiations with AC Milan for a sensational double swoop, targeting two of the Italian giants’ standout stars: Theo Hernandez and Tijjani Reijnders. With a combined price tag rumored to exceed €100 million, this bold move signals City’s intent to bolster their squad with elite talent as they navigate a season of transition and ambition.
Theo Hernandez, the dynamic French left-back, has long been a cornerstone of Milan’s resurgence. At 27, his blend of blistering pace, pinpoint crossing, and defensive tenacity has made him one of Europe’s premier full-backs. His contributions—six goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season—earned him a spot in France’s Euro 2024 squad, where he shone alongside Kylian Mbappé. “I’m focused on giving my all for Milan,” Hernandez said recently, sidestepping transfer speculation, but his contract, entering its final year in 2026, has sparked interest from City, Bayern Munich, and even a potential return to Real Madrid, his former club. For City, Hernandez represents an upgrade at left-back, where Josko Gvardiol has been solid but lacks the attacking flair Hernandez brings. “We need players who can change games from any position,” Guardiola hinted after a recent match, a nod to the versatility Hernandez offers.
Tijjani Reijnders, the 24-year-old Dutch midfielder, is the other half of City’s coveted duo. Since joining Milan from AZ Alkmaar in 2023, Reijnders has dazzled with his composure, vision, and knack for breaking lines. His 2024-25 season has been electric, with three goals and four assists in Serie A, drawing comparisons to a young Kevin De Bruyne. “I just try to play my game, help the team, and keep improving,” Reijnders said after a recent Milan win, his humility belying the buzz around his future. With De Bruyne, now 34, facing an uncertain future—his contract expires in 2025 and injuries have limited his starts—City see Reijnders as a long-term successor. His ability to dictate tempo and thrive under pressure aligns perfectly with Guardiola’s possession-based philosophy.
The rationale behind City’s double raid is as strategic as it is audacious. By targeting two players from the same club, they aim to negotiate a package deal to lower the overall cost, a tactic that echoes their successful 2022 swoop for Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez. Milan, while reluctant to lose their stars, face financial pressures and may consider offers if City meet their €60 million valuation for Hernandez and €40-50 million for Reijnders. “We’re building something special here,” Milan’s manager Paulo Fonseca insisted, signaling resistance, but City’s financial muscle—bolstered by their Premier League dominance—makes them formidable suitors.
This move comes at a pivotal moment for City. Despite sitting atop the Premier League table, their squad faces questions. De Bruyne’s potential departure looms large, with Saudi clubs and MLS sides circling, while aging stars like Kyle Walker and Ilkay Gundogan highlight the need for fresh blood. Phil Foden and James McAtee are being groomed for bigger roles, but adding Hernandez’s experience and Reijnders’ youthful dynamism would elevate City’s depth for their Champions League ambitions. “You always have to evolve,” Guardiola said, reflecting on the need to refresh a squad that’s won six of the last seven Premier League titles.
The pursuit isn’t without risks. Hernandez’s fiery personality and occasional defensive lapses could clash with Guardiola’s disciplined system, while Reijnders, still adapting to Italy’s top flight, faces a leap to the Premier League’s intensity. City also face competition—Real Madrid’s pull for Hernandez is strong, and Tottenham have scouted Reijnders as a midfield fix. Yet, City’s track record of turning talents into stars—think Rodri or Ruben Dias—gives them an edge. “It’s about finding the right fit,” sporting director Txiki Begiristain noted, hinting at the club’s confidence in landing their targets.
As talks loom, the football world buzzes with anticipation. For City fans, the prospect of Hernandez bombing down the flank and Reijnders orchestrating from midfield is a tantalizing vision of the future. Milan, meanwhile, brace for a fight to keep their jewels. Whether City’s €100 million gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Guardiola’s hunger for innovation shows no signs of fading, and this double raid could redefine the champions’ next chapter.