As the 2024-25 Premier League season nears its climax, Manchester City are poised to make a significant splash in the transfer market, setting their sights on AC Milan’s dynamic midfielder Tijjani Reijnders. The 26-year-old Dutch star has emerged as the club’s primary target to bolster their midfield, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealing that City will submit a formal, opening bid to Milan in the weeks following the season’s final matches. This strategic move, driven by incoming director of football Hugo Viana and approved by manager Pep Guardiola, signals City’s intent to rebuild a squad that has struggled to maintain its dominance, trailing league leaders Liverpool by 18 points with just two games left.
Reijnders, a versatile No. 8 known for his high-pressing style and ability to dictate play, has been a standout for Milan since joining from AZ Alkmaar in 2023. His performances in Serie A, where he combines tireless work rate with technical finesse, have caught City’s attention, particularly as they seek to address the void left by Rodri’s season-ending knee injury. With Kevin De Bruyne’s contract nearing its end and Matheus Nunes’ future uncertain, Reijnders represents a long-term investment to restore City’s midfield dynamism. “Manchester City will submit a formal, opening bid to AC Milan for Tijjani Reijnders in the upcoming weeks,” Romano shared on social media, noting that City respect Reijnders’ desire to “focus on final games of the season with Milan” before negotiations intensify. The bid, expected to test Milan’s resolve, underscores City’s urgency to secure their “main target” for the No. 8 role.
City’s interest in Reijnders is part of a broader squad overhaul following a disappointing campaign. Despite a late resurgence, with wins in their last two Premier League matches, the club faces the prospect of missing Champions League qualification, sitting fourth but under pressure from rivals. The FA Cup final against Crystal Palace on May 17 offers a chance for silverware, but Guardiola’s focus is on future-proofing the team. January signings like Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis strengthened the attack and defense, but the midfield remains a priority. Reijnders, with his ability to play both wide and centrally, aligns perfectly with Guardiola’s tactical vision, offering the versatility to complement players like Phil Foden and the recovering Ilkay Gundogan.
Reijnders’ commitment to Milan, where he is contracted until 2028, adds complexity to the deal. Earlier this season, he spoke optimistically about his future, saying, “We are discussing the renewal at the moment, but I can’t say more. However, I see myself at Milan until I’m in my thirties.” Yet, City’s financial muscle and the allure of competing under Guardiola could sway the Dutchman, who has expressed admiration for the Premier League’s intensity. Milan, aware of City’s initial contact, are bracing for a substantial offer, with estimates suggesting a bid could exceed €50 million, given Reijnders’ importance and market value.[](https://www.football365.com/news/man-city-romano-submit-formal-bid-reijnders-milan)
The pursuit of Reijnders also reflects City’s broader transfer strategy, with additional interest in Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White and Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, though Reijnders remains the priority. Viana, set to officially replace Txiki Begiristain after the Club World Cup in June, is already shaping City’s recruitment, aiming to restore their competitive edge. “City want to sign a new goalkeeper, a full-back, and two midfielders,” insiders noted, highlighting the club’s ambition to refresh an aging squad. Reijnders’ potential arrival could spark a domino effect, with players like Jack Grealish, whose role has diminished, facing increased competition.
For City fans, the prospect of Reijnders donning the sky blue jersey is a beacon of hope after a challenging season. His energy, vision, and ability to thrive under pressure could rejuvenate a midfield that has lacked cohesion without Rodri. As the season winds down, all eyes will be on City’s negotiations with Milan, a club known for driving hard bargains. Will Reijnders embrace the challenge of the Premier League, or will Milan’s pull prove too strong? With Guardiola’s blessing and Viana’s vision, City are betting on the former, ready to make a statement in the summer transfer window.
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