Manchester City are reportedly set to make Tijjani Reijnders their first signing of the summer, with the midfielder expected to join Pep Guardiola’s squad.
The deal is expected to be worth just over 46 million pounds.
The 26-year-old, who currently plays for AC Milan, has enjoyed two standout seasons in Serie A and is widely regarded as one of the club’s brightest performers during a turbulent campaign.
“Am I afraid that the ‘freedom’ in my game will be lost under Guardiola? We’ll have to wait and see if that happens,” Reijnders says.
“There’s always room for development, in every respect, especially as a midfielder. There are so many things you can develop. I can become a more complete midfielder there, if the deal goes through.”
While Reijnders has yet to confirm the transfer publicly, he has spoken about preparing to adapt to life in Manchester, hinting that the deal is all but complete.
The Netherlands international is anticipated to play a key role in City’s new-look midfield, with Kevin De Bruyne already departed and the futures of Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva uncertain.
Guardiola is aiming to bounce back from a disappointing 2024-25 season – the first time since his debut campaign that City finished without a major trophy.
The club crashed out of the Champions League in the group stage and ended the Premier League season 13 points adrift of champions Liverpool.
City’s lack of silverware has prompted expectations of another heavy summer spend, and Reijnders’ arrival signals the beginning of that effort.
