Manchester City agrees deal to sign Milan s Tijjani Reijnders

Manchester City has reportedly reached an agreement with Italian giants AC Milan for the transfer of Netherlands international midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, in a deal valued at €55 million (£46.3 million). The highly-rated 26-year-old is expected to ink a five-year contract with the Premier League champions, having already agreed to personal terms. The transfer, which is pending a successful medical examination, also includes potential additional payments contingent on specific performance-related clauses.

City aims to integrate Reijnders into their squad in time for the Club World Cup, which is scheduled to commence on June 14. His arrival is particularly timely, as it will significantly bolster a midfield area that has recently been impacted by key absences. Mateo Kovacic has been ruled out of the 32-team tournament in the United States following Achilles surgery. Furthermore, star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is not expected to feature in the competition, with a move to Serie A champions Napoli appearing increasingly probable.

Who is Reijnders?

Tijjani Reijnders, boasting 22 caps for the Netherlands, is precisely the kind of dynamic and well-rounded midfielder that Manchester City's squad identified as a missing piece last season. The Dutch international enjoyed a breakout campaign with AC Milan, where he impressively scored 15 goals across 54 matches in all competitions. His exceptional performances earned him the prestigious title of Serie A's Midfielder of the Season.

Notably, Reijnders' individual brilliance shone even as Milan endured a challenging season, finishing a disappointing eighth in the league and missing out on European qualification. His 15 goals marked the most prolific scoring season of his career, as the 26-year-old reached double digits for the first time.

However, the former AZ Alkmaar midfielder, who made his senior debut for PEC Zwolle in 2018, offers far more than just goal-scoring prowess. His versatility, enabling him to operate effectively either deep in midfield or in a more advanced role, makes him a highly attractive prospect for a tactician like Pep Guardiola. Reijnders is renowned for his composure and skill in retaining possession in congested areas, and his ability to dismantle opposition presses through both incisive passing and precise ball-carrying.

With Rodri's return from injury towards the end of last season, Reijnders offers Guardiola invaluable tactical flexibility. He could potentially play alongside the Spanish holding midfielder or be deployed further up the pitch. Ultimately, his primary contribution will be to provide the City manager with significantly enhanced options and depth in the midfield engine room.