Tijjani Reijnders to Al Qadsiah: All Parties Reach Verbal Agreement as Man City Pocket €61M

The Saudi Pro League has claimed another major European star. Tijjani Reijnders is on the verge of leaving Manchester City for Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah after agreeing to the move, with all parties now understood to have reached a verbal agreement. Trusted Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Manchester City will bank around €61 million for releasing the player. One of European football’s most coveted midfielders is packing his bags — and heading to the desert.

How the Deal Came Together

Both clubs have already begun exchanging official documents, with final signatures and an announcement expected in the coming hours. Reijnders skipped his side’s training, a clear sign the deal is nearly done.

The midfielder now awaits the green light to fly to Saudi Arabia, join Al Qadsiah, and complete his routine medical.

His position came under greater pressure following City’s £116m signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest this summer. Forest had also explored a move for Reijnders before he opted for the switch to Saudi Arabia.

Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca conceded that it may be best for Tijjani Reijnders to depart Manchester City. Speaking ahead of City’s Community Shield clash with Arsenal, Maresca said: “It’s a bit difficult to convince players when they are already convinced, it’s not always easy. It’s Tijani’s situation.”

Transfer Details at a Glance

A Brief but Impactful Spell at the Etihad

Only twelve months ago, Reijnders arrived at the Etihad as one of the faces of City’s next generation. Now, at 28, he is preparing for an entirely different challenge in the Saudi Pro League.

The Netherlands international joined City from AC Milan for £46.5 million in June 2025, having been named Serie A’s midfielder of the year after scoring 15 goals in his final season in Italy.

Reijnders made 47 appearances in his debut campaign in Manchester, scoring five goals and providing two assists, but started only half of City’s Premier League matches.

Despite his contributions, Reijnders reportedly struggled to lock down a consistent starting role in the notoriously competitive squad.

Reijnders at Man City — Season Statistics

Career Journey: From AZ to Saudi Arabia

Reijnders’ rise to the top has been one of European football’s most compelling stories of recent years. A product of AZ Alkmaar’s academy system in the Netherlands, he developed into one of the most technically gifted central midfielders on the continent before AC Milan came calling.

Having been named Serie A’s midfielder of the year after scoring 15 goals in his final season in Italy, he was considered one of the finest midfielders in world football heading into his Manchester City move.

Reijnders brings considerably more than his reputation as a Manchester City player. Before moving to England, he became one of the standout midfielders in Serie A with AC Milan.

Career Timeline

What This Means for Man City’s Finances

If completed, City would pocket a tidy profit on a player they signed just over a year ago from AC Milan for approximately £46.3 million, or roughly €55 million.

The €61m fee represents a significant return for City and gives new manager Enzo Maresca further room to reshape his squad during the summer transfer window.

His departure could have consequences far beyond his own career, potentially helping Manchester City finance one of the biggest midfield transfers of the summer. City have also been pursuing Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, with new manager Enzo Maresca having previously worked with the Argentina international at Stamford Bridge.

Rodri’s future also remains uncertain amid Barcelona’s attempts to sign the Spain international, while Bernardo Silva has already left for Real Madrid on a free transfer.

Al Qadsiah: A Club on the Rise

Al Qadsiah, managed by former Liverpool and Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers since December 2025, has been aggressively building a squad capable of competing at the top of the Saudi Pro League.

Al Qadsiah are strengthening their squad ahead of their move into the newly built Aramco Stadium, which is due to host matches at the 2027 Asian Cup.

His arrival should hand Al Qadsiah a serious technical boost as the club aims to challenge for the top places next season and stock their squad with world-class names capable of making a difference.

Al Qadsiah Fast Facts

The Bigger Picture: Saudi Arabia’s Pull on European Football

The fee alone reflects the player’s technical value, but it also underlines how Saudi clubs keep prising top-tier stars away from Europe’s biggest leagues.

Reijnders is the latest in a long line of elite European midfielders to swap the Premier League or Serie A for the financial promise and growing ambition of the Saudi Pro League. For Al Qadsiah, this is another statement signing as the Saudi Pro League club continues to strengthen its squad.

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