So, the secret is officially out. After months of "will they, won't they" rumors and a saga that felt like it dragged through every airport in Europe, Tijjani Reijnders Manchester City is no longer a headline—it’s a reality. Watching him glide around the Etihad, it’s hard to believe there were people questioning if he could handle the leap from Serie A. Honestly, the Dutch international hasn't just handled it; he’s essentially rewritten the job description for a City midfielder in the post-Txiki Begiristain era.
He didn't come cheap, obviously. A deal worth roughly £46.5m (some reports push that to €70m with the inevitable bonuses) isn't exactly pocket change. But in a market where "potential" costs £80m, getting the reigning Serie A Midfielder of the Year for this price looks like an absolute steal.
The Debut That Silenced the Molineux
If you missed his Premier League debut against Wolves back in August 2025, you missed a masterclass. Most new signings spend their first game pointing at where they want the ball and looking slightly panicked by the pace of the English game. Not Reijnders.
Basically, he ran the show. He scored, he assisted Erling Haaland, and he looked like he’d been playing in a sky-blue shirt for a decade. It was a 4-0 thrashing that felt like a statement of intent. Since then, he’s been this weirdly effective hybrid. Sometimes he’s a deep-lying pivot, other times he’s practically a second striker.
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Why Tijjani Reijnders Manchester City Actually Works
A lot of people looked at the squad and thought, "Wait, where does he fit?" We’ve already got Rodri. We’ve got Kevin De Bruyne (when his hamstrings behave). We’ve got Phil Foden. But Reijnders brings something different: pure, unadulterated stamina mixed with a very specific Dutch brand of composure.
He’s tall, lean, and stays remarkably upright when he’s on the ball. It gives him this air of "I have all the time in the world," even when a 200lb center-back is charging at him. Pep Guardiola reportedly loves this. Under Pep, you either have the "pause" or you don't. Tijjani has it in spades.
- Versatility: He’s played as a mezzala (left-sided central mid) for AC Milan, but for City, he’s been everywhere.
- Goal Threat: Last season at Milan, he bagged 15 goals. For a midfielder, those are "pay attention to me" numbers.
- Availability: The guy is made of iron. He played 54 games last season. In a City squad that occasionally looks like a walking infirmary, that’s gold.
The "Frustration" and the National Team Drama
It hasn't all been sunshine and 10-1 wins (shoutout to that Exeter City drubbing in the FA Cup, by the way). Just a few months ago, Reijnders actually went on the record saying he was "a bit irritated" with his lack of minutes for the Netherlands.
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It’s a classic big-club problem. You move to a team like City, you rotate. You play 90 minutes one week, you’re on the bench for a tactical tweak against Liverpool the next. Even with his 5 goals and 2 assists in early 2025/26, he’s had to fight tooth and nail for every start. But honestly? That’s exactly what Guardiola wants. He wants players who are "extra eager," as Tijjani put it.
Is He the Long-Term Rodri Successor?
Let's get real for a second. Rodri is 29 and Real Madrid are circling like sharks. The rumors about a 2026 move to the Bernabeu aren't going away. If that happens, the Tijjani Reijnders Manchester City project moves from "luxury addition" to "essential foundation."
While he’s more of an offensive threat than Rodri, his defensive reading is underrated. He doesn't just tackle; he intercepts. He’s a "counter-attack threat," as the scouts say. If you look at the recent 2-1 win over Newcastle in the Carabao Cup, his delivery from corners was lethal. He’s becoming the set-piece specialist we didn't know we needed.
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What to Watch for Next
If you’re a City fan—or just someone trying to win your FPL league—keep an eye on his positioning. When he starts alongside Foden, they tend to swap roles constantly. It’s a nightmare for defenders to track.
- Goal Output: Expect him to hit double digits this season. He’s getting into the box way too often not to.
- The "Big Game" Factor: Watch how Pep uses him in the Champions League knockouts. That’s the real test.
- Contract Stability: He’s locked in until 2030. This isn't a short-term fling; it's a long-term marriage.
The reality is that Reijnders has replaced the "workmanlike" vibe of some previous midfield rotations with a touch of genuine class. He’s the son of a footballer (Martin Reijnders), and it shows in his IQ. He doesn't make the "obvious" pass; he makes the right one.
Next Steps for the Midfield Overhaul
With the winter window closing and the summer 2026 plan already in motion, keep an eye on how Reijnders integrates with newer faces like Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki. The squad is getting younger, faster, and arguably more unpredictable. If you haven't bought into the Reijnders hype yet, watch his next three games closely—specifically how he triggers the press. You’ll see exactly why City paid the big bucks.