Manchester City Hopeful of Signing AC Milan Midfielder Tijjani Reijnders

Manchester City are reportedly setting their sights on a major midfield addition this summer, with AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders emerging as a top target. The Premier League champions are keen to bolster their midfield options as part of a long-term strategic rebuild, and Reijnders’ rise in Serie A has caught the attention of manager Pep Guardiola and his recruitment team.

Reijnders: A Technically Gifted Midfield Engine

Tijjani Reijnders joined AC Milan in July 2023 from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar. Despite only spending one season with the Rossoneri, he has become a key figure in their midfield. Known for his composure, tactical intelligence, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game, Reijnders has thrived in a left-central midfield role within Milan’s 4-3-3 formation.

Throughout the 2023–24 season, the Dutch international, who is 25 years old, has displayed exceptional consistency. He is essential to Stefano Pioli's team because of his ball progression, positional discipline, and ability to start attacking sequences. Reijnders’ calmness under pressure and mature game management have also earned him praise from pundits and former players alike.

His performances have not gone unnoticed in Europe. Several elite clubs have kept tabs on the midfielder, but Manchester City have now stepped forward with concrete interest.

Guardiola’s Vision and City’s Midfield Transition

Pep Guardiola has always prioritized midfield control in his tactical setups, and the acquisition of a player like Reijnders would further enhance his squad’s ability to dominate possession. With the future of some City midfielders—most notably Kalvin Phillips and even long-serving player Bernardo Silva—uncertain, reinforcements are being considered.

Ilkay Gündoğan’s departure in 2023 left a creative void, and while Mateo Kovačić and Matheus Nunes were brought in, Guardiola is reportedly looking for a more dynamic, all-rounded midfielder who can function both as a ball-carrier and playmaker. Reijnders appears to fit that profile perfectly.

City scouts have been keeping a close eye on his growth throughout the season because of his impressive ability to cover ground, link defense and attack, and pose a threat to score goals from deep positions. With Guardiola’s fondness for technically proficient midfielders who are tactically versatile, Reijnders’ potential move to the Etihad seems a logical fit.

AC Milan’s Stance on the Transfer

AC Milan are not expected to let Reijnders go easily. After investing €20 million in his transfer from AZ Alkmaar, the Italian giants see the Dutchman as a key component of their future. In fact, they recently extended his contract until June 2030, signaling their long-term commitment to the player.

However, Milan’s financial position and their performance in Serie A may influence their openness to negotiation. The club is under pressure right now to stay in the Champions League, and failing to do so could hurt their revenue projections. If a significant bid arrives from Manchester City—reportedly expected to be in the region of €50–60 million—it may test Milan’s resolve.

Competition in the Transfer Market

Manchester City are not alone in their admiration for Reijnders. Several Premier League clubs, including Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, have also shown interest. However, City’s financial muscle, recent dominance in English football, and the opportunity to work under Guardiola give them a competitive edge.

Reijnders’ camp has remained quiet on the transfer speculation, with the player focused on finishing the season strongly with Milan. Still, the allure of joining the reigning Premier League champions and competing for major honors may prove difficult to resist if formal negotiations begin.

Tactical Fit and Potential Role at City

If signed, Reijnders could be deployed in a variety of roles at Manchester City. While his natural position is on the left side of a midfield three, he has shown the tactical intelligence to adapt to other roles, including as a deep-lying playmaker or even as an advanced attacking midfielder. Although he is not a pure defensive midfielder, his stamina and ability to win the ball make him a potential replacement for Rodri during rotation periods. Guardiola has a track record of developing midfielders into world-class assets, and Reijnders could be the next player to benefit from that system. His passing range, ability to play in tight spaces, and comfort operating in a possession-heavy setup align well with City’s style of play.

Conclusion

Manchester City's interest in Tijjani Reijnders is a reflection of both their evolving midfield needs and his potential as one of the most promising midfielders in European football. As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on whether the Premier League champions can finalize a deal with AC Milan.

While Milan remain reluctant sellers, City’s determination and financial resources may tip the scales. If the deal materializes, it could be one of the standout transfers of the summer, bringing a technically gifted and tactically astute player into the heart of Guardiola’s midfield engine.