Manchester, England — Manchester City’s midfield evolution took a bold step this summer following the £50 million acquisition of AC Milan star Tijjani Reijnders. The Netherlands international joins Pep Guardiola’s ranks as part of a calculated rebuild following the departures of Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gündogan, signaling a new chapter for the Premier League champions.
Reijnders’ Arrival Sparks Excitement
After an outstanding 2024/25 campaign with Milan — scoring 16 goals and providing four assists — Reijnders was swiftly identified as the perfect fit for Guardiola’s system. His technical prowess, tactical intelligence, and stamina have already impressed both the coaching staff and the Etihad faithful.
The 27-year-old midfielder’s transition from Serie A to the Premier League has been seamless. In his first 10 appearances, Reijnders has shown adaptability, composure, and balance — the qualities City have been seeking to rejuvenate their engine room since Yaya Touré’s departure.
A Midfield Anchor and Attacking Catalyst
Reijnders has predominantly operated as a left-sided number eight, using his mobility and vision to link defence and attack. His 89% pass completion rate demonstrates his reliability in possession, while his forward runs and line-breaking passes have added a new dimension to City’s attacking play.
Under Guardiola’s meticulous system, Reijnders benefits from the stability provided by Rodri and the tactical versatility of Rico Lewis and Nico O’Reilly, allowing him the freedom to dictate the game’s tempo and arrive late into the box — a hallmark of elite midfielders.
Guardiola’s Tactical Masterstroke
Reijnders differs from previous Guardiola midfielders in that he combines defensive resilience with forward dynamism. His tireless work rate and intelligent positioning have made him instrumental in both phases of play — helping Manchester City sustain pressure and recover quickly in transition.
In recent matches, Reijnders has already contributed goals and assists against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Napoli, and Arsenal, showcasing his growing influence in high-stakes fixtures.
Breaking Lines and Building Legacy
One of Reijnders’ standout strengths lies in his ability to break lines with precision passing — executing over 229 line-breaking passes during his final season in Serie A. This skill is vital in Guardiola’s structure, where opponents often employ deep defensive blocks against City’s sustained possession play.
Though he may not yet carry the legendary aura of Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, or Yaya Touré, Reijnders’ intelligence and determination suggest he could become one of City’s next greats under Guardiola’s mentorship.
Looking Ahead
As Manchester City continue to evolve tactically, Tijjani Reijnders represents both the present and future of Guardiola’s midfield blueprint — an all-action Dutch maestro capable of leading the next phase of dominance at the Etihad Stadium.
FAQs
- How much did Manchester City pay for Tijjani Reijnders?
Manchester City signed Reijnders from AC Milan for around £50 million in June 2025.
- What position does Reijnders play?
He primarily operates as a central midfielder, often in an advanced number eight role under Guardiola.
- What are his main strengths?
Reijnders excels in line-breaking passes, work rate, tactical awareness, and his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively.
- Who does Reijnders replace in City’s midfield?
With De Bruyne and Gündogan gone, Reijnders is expected to fill the creative and box-to-box void in City’s midfield.
- Could Reijnders become a long-term City legend?
Given his current trajectory and Guardiola’s guidance, he certainly has the potential to leave a lasting legacy at the club.
Conclusion
Tijjani Reijnders’ arrival at Manchester City marks more than just another high-profile signing — it symbolizes the continuation of Pep Guardiola’s tactical evolution. With his technical brilliance, tireless engine, and intelligent movement, the Dutch midfielder has all the tools to become the next great name in Manchester City’s illustrious midfield lineage.
