Tijjani Reijnders opts for Al‑Qadsiah: money and European hope
Tijjani Reijnders, the 28‑year‑old Dutch midfielder, says during a training session that he left for Al‑Qadsiah FC in Khobar in the summer, attracted by a contract that reportedly yields him one hundred million euros over four years, so he can play again with a smile.
Photo of Tijjani Reijnders during the Dutch training, © Pim Ras. Reijnders (28) admitted that he barely knew the colours of Al‑Qadsiah FC and even had to look them up on the internet.
Manager Brendan Rodgers convinces
“But after the first talks with manager Brendan Rodgers that changed quite quickly. I actually became more and more enthusiastic,” says Reijnders. The manager played a key role in his decision to move to Khobar.
Financial temptation
The contract would reportedly give him one hundred million euros over four years, which works out to about €48 per minute and without tax. “I don’t want to have to work after my career,” Reijnders explains, emphasizing that the money was a major factor.
Return to Europe
“For me it was crucial that I can still return to Europe,” says the Dutch midfielder. He believes the Saudi League now has a higher level, allowing players to later return to top European competitions.
Tijjani Reijnders opts for Saudi League: €100 million in four years
The former national team coach Ronald Koeman claimed that a move to the Middle East meant the end of an international career. However, Reijnders has not had direct contact with the new national team coach Xavi Hernández, but he has been well informed.
Reijnders started the previous season strongly at Manchester City, but noted that there was interest from Atlético Madrid and Nottingham Forest. “There was indeed interest, but ultimately those clubs didn’t materialise,” he explains, because City set a minimum transfer fee.
In the Premier League, sums of fifty or sixty million euros are now commonplace, especially for players who feature regularly. Reijnders received few minutes in the second half of the season and not in his preferred position, which was a major reason for his departure.
“I’m playing football again with a smile on my face,” concludes Reijnders. The “Last update” at 07:20 confirms that he is satisfied with his choice, while he hopes to still enjoy many good years in Europe.