Reijnders leaves Man City for Al-Qadsiah in £52m deal
August 19, 2026 18:01
Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has moved to Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah in a deal reported to be worth £52m. The 28-year-old leaves City after a single season at the club; he joined from AC Milan last summer for a fee of £46.5m.
Reijnders made 50 appearances for City across all competitions, scoring seven goals and contributing to their FA Cup and Carabao Cup wins in what the club’s season report describes as Pep Guardiola’s final campaign in charge. Al-Qadsiah are managed by Brendan Rodgers, and reports say Reijnders has signed a five-year contract.
KEY CONTEXT
- Reijnders arrived at Manchester City the previous summer from AC Milan and was under contract at City until 2030.
- He was part of the Netherlands squad at the 2026 World Cup, starting all three group games but remaining an unused substitute in the last-32 defeat to Morocco.
- City’s midfield has been in flux this summer: Rodri has left for Barcelona (£65m) and Bernardo Silva has moved to Real Madrid on a free transfer. Other midfield names have been linked with moves involving City, including Nico Gonzalez, and the club are reported to be in advanced talks with Lille for Ayyoub Bouaddi while still pursuing Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez.
WHY IT MATTERS
Reijnders’ exit is another significant midfield departure for City amid a summer of major changes to their engine room. His move follows high-profile exits and ongoing transfer activity that will reshape Pep Guardiola’s successor’s squad composition. For Al-Qadsiah, signing a player with Champions League-level club experience and recent international involvement represents a notable recruitment.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Confirmation of the reported five-year contract with Al-Qadsiah and any official club announcements.
- How Manchester City replace midfield departures, in particular progress on Ayyoub Bouaddi and the reported interest in Enzo Fernandez.
- Whether Nico Gonzalez’s reported link to Newcastle develops into a concrete offer.
KEY FACTS
- Transfer: Tijjani Reijnders from Manchester City to Al-Qadsiah, reported fee £52m.
- Previous move: Joined Manchester City last summer from AC Milan for £46.5m.
- City record: 50 appearances, seven goals; part of FA Cup and Carabao Cup-winning squad.
- International: Started all three Netherlands group matches at the 2026 World Cup; unused substitute in last-32 defeat by Morocco.
- Contract/reporting: Reijnders’ City contract ran until 2030; he has reportedly signed a five-year deal with Al-Qadsiah.