£50m Saudi bid tests Manchester City’s midfield overhaul

Manchester City are in talks to sell Netherlands international Tijjani Reijnders to Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah for around £50 million, just a year after his £46.5 million move from AC Milan to the Etihad Stadium. The club could free up midfield space as the Enzo Maresca era reshapes the squad.

Reijnders arrived at Manchester City last summer for £46.5 million and has contributed seven goals in 50 appearances, but his role diminished as the 2025/26 season progressed. He lost his place in the starting XI after former manager Pep Guardiola preferred a midfield partnership of captain Bernardo Silva and Rodri.

Midfield restructuring under Enzo Maresca

With Silva now departed and Rodri a target for Barcelona, City’s midfield overhaul appears set to continue under the Enzo Maresca era. The club has already signed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million, signalling a willingness to invest heavily in new options.

Other suitors and midfield targets

Reijnders has also attracted interest from Nottingham Forest, while City are monitoring other midfield prospects such as Morocco’s Ayyoub Bouaddi and Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez. These interests underline the breadth of City’s scouting as they seek to replace departing players.

Al Qadsiah, a Saudi Arabian club coached by former Liverpool, Leicester and Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, could secure the Dutch international for the reported £50 million fee. Rodgers’ experience in top European leagues adds a further dimension to the move.

For Reijnders, a transfer to the Saudi Pro League would likely restore regular playing time after falling out of the starting XI. The £50 million price tag reflects his market value despite a reduced role at Manchester City (Getty).

Manchester City stand to free up squad space and recoup a substantial portion of the original £46.5 million outlay, enabling further investment in midfield reinforcements as part of the Enzo Maresca project.