Man City's Reijnders set for £52m Saudi move

Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders is set to leave following a year at the club after a £52m move was agreed with Saudi Pro-League side Al-Qadsiah.

Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders is on the verge of ending his short stint at the Etihad Stadium, with a £52 million transfer to Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah reportedly agreed. The deal marks a new chapter for the Dutch international, who joined City just a year ago, and underscores the growing allure of the Saudi league for European-based players. Reijnders arrived at Manchester City last summer from AC Milan, where he was seen as a key piece in the club's midfield rebuild. However, under Pep Guardiola's tactical system, he struggled to secure a regular starting spot, making limited appearances. Despite this, his technical ability and vision were evident in his outings, particularly in the Champions League group stage, where he delivered a few impressive performances. Al-Qadsiah, a rising force in the Saudi league, has been aggressively strengthening its squad with high-profile foreign signings. The acquisition of Reijnders not only bolsters their midfield but also reflects the league's ambition in the global transfer market. Reports indicate that the two clubs have reached an agreement on the fee, and personal terms have been settled, with only a medical and formal signing remaining. For Manchester City, while the fee does not fully recoup their initial investment, selling a player who saw limited action helps balance the books under Financial Fair Play regulations and frees up funds for summer reinforcements. City may still make further moves before the transfer window closes to add squad depth. Reijnders' departure has sparked debate among fans. Some believe he was not given enough opportunities, while others understand the club's commercial decision. Regardless, the 26-year-old midfielder will embark on a new adventure in Saudi Arabia, where his technical style might suit the slower pace of the league, potentially making him a key figure for his new team. This transfer also highlights the Saudi league's continued pull. Following the arrivals of stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, more European players are opting for lucrative moves to the Gulf. While Reijnders is not a marquee name, his signing demonstrates that Saudi clubs are shifting from a 'superstar strategy' to a more pragmatic approach, aiming to build competitive squads overall. As the transfer window progresses, Reijnders' exit could be just the beginning of City's squad adjustments. The team needs depth for their Premier League and Champions League campaigns, while Al-Qadsiah will hope their new signing can help them achieve a breakthrough in the league. For both parties, this deal appears to be a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Man City's Reijnders set for £52m Saudi move

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