Tijjani Reijnders has described himself as “incredibly privileged” to spend a season at Manchester City after the club sold the Netherlands international to Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah for £51 million.
Reijnders cost £46.5m from Milan in June 2025 but could not recapture the form that won the midfielder, who turned 28 last month, the award for the best player in his position in Italy in 2024/25.
“I would like to say a special thank you to the City fans, who were so warm and supportive to me and my family,” said Reijnders, speaking via City’s website while Al-Qadsiah described him as a “Dutch artist” in a video announcing his arrival.
فنان هولندي وبيرسم لوحاته في ملاعبنا🎨❤️💛#القادسية | #تيجاني_قدساوي pic.twitter.com/9fCYp131LP
— نادي القادسية السعودي (@Alqadsiah) August 19, 2026
“To be part of the squad that won two such special trophies [the FA Cup and EFL Cup] last season [represented] incredible experiences and achievements that I will savour forever.
“I may be moving on but I will always have a special place in my heart for Manchester City.”
Tijjani Reijnders transfer: How Man City praise reacted
“Tijjani more than made his mark across his time here,” said City Director of Football Hugo Viana.
“He impressed everyone with his talent, application, hard work and total dedication and was the perfect professional.
“He played a very important part across both our successful campaigns in the [domestic cups].
“We thank Tijjani for everything he has done here and wish him every success as he now embarks on the next stage of his career.”
Tijjani Reijnders: Stats, Man City record
Reijnders scored seven goals in 50 appearances in all competitions for City, having called playing in the Premier League “a dream” when he signed a five-year contract under former manager Pep Guardiola.
He spent much of his youth career at Dutch clubs Zwolle and Twente before joining AZ Alkmaar in 2018 and moving on to Milan for around £17m in 2023.
After a relatively quiet start to his time with the Italian giants, Reijnders was outstanding despite Milan only finishing eighth in 2024/25, helping them win the Italian Super Cup while scoring 15 goals in all competitions, none of which were penalties.
That total made him the second-highest scoring midfielder in Europe’s top five leagues behind Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala, including three goals in 10 Champions League matches alongside five Serie A assists.
An Oranje debutant in September 2023, Reijnders was almost ever-present during their run to the Euro 2024 semi-finals and was part of their campaign that ended in the last 32 at the World Cup 2026.
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