Reijnders swaps Manchester City for Al-Qadsiah in €61m deal

Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has left Manchester City for Saudi Arabian side Al‑Qadsiah (Saudita) in the summer window, signing a five‑year deal worth about €100 million after the Saudi club paid €61 million to release him. The move follows his 47‑game spell at City, where he scored seven goals and provided eight assists.

Reijnders joined Manchester City in June 2025 from AC Milan for €54.9 million, roughly R$ 328 million. During his two seasons he featured in 47 matches, netting seven times and creating eight assists, but was mainly used as a squad player rather than a regular starter.

Juventus, Newcastle United and Atletico Madrid all expressed interest during the transfer window, yet none matched the financial package Al‑Qadsiah presented. The Saudi side’s €61 million fee exceeded the offers from the European clubs, prompting City to agree to the transfer provided they recouped their original investment.

Why City let Reijnders go

Manchester City were prepared to release Reijnders once the Saudi club agreed to cover the €54.9 million they had initially paid. The club viewed him as a rotation option rather than a key figure in decisive fixtures, making the financial return an attractive proposition.

Financial motive: Reijnders chooses Al‑Qadsiah

What the move means for Reijnders

Reijnders told Dutch media that the salary and contract length were decisive factors, stating, “I chose security. I will not lie about it. With this contract I can guarantee that even my grandchildren will be financially safe.” He signed a five‑year deal totalling around €100 million, one of the most lucrative contracts for a Dutch player.

Since arriving, Reijnders has become a starter under manager Brendan Rodgers, scoring three goals in six appearances, five of which came as a starter. The increased minutes have revived his confidence after admitting he was not fully happy at City.

The transfer has not jeopardised his place in the Netherlands squad; coach Xavi included him in the latest FIFA date roster for upcoming UEFA Nations League matches.

For Manchester City, the €61 million fee helps offset the original outlay and frees a squad slot. For Al‑Qadsiah, securing a player with Premier League experience bolsters their ambitions in the Saudi league and raises their profile internationally.