Tijjani Reijnders opts for Saudi League: €100 million in four years

The Dutch Orange midfielder Tijjani Reijnders (28) made the move last summer to Al‑Qadsiah FC from Khobar, Saudi Arabia, with a contract that reportedly yields about 100 million euros over four years – roughly 48 euros per minute played and tax‑free.

Reijnders explains that the financial aspect was crucial: “I don’t want to have to work after my career,” he says, adding that he can “set up generations of my family” so that his grandchildren are well provided for. He emphasizes that money played a role, but that he also “doesn’t want to make a fuss about it” because it gives him the freedom to focus on the game.

Money and family as drivers

The midfielder says he can earn “tens of millions of euros” per year and that the “48 euros per minute” provides an unprecedented certainty. “When you see the amounts involved: just say ‘no’ to that,” says Reijnders, making clear that he does not want to leave the “jackpot” on the table. He stresses that he wants to “not have to work” anymore, so that after football he can fully focus on his family.

Competitive level and international ambitions

Reijnders states that the level of the Saudi League is “higher than in the Eredivisie”. He laughs: “No, to be honest I had to look that up on the internet,” after admitting he did not know Al‑Qadsiah’s colours. He adds that he can “still develop” in the Saudi League and that the “door to Europe” is “not closed forever” for him.

Tijjani Reijnders opts for Al‑Qadsiah: money and European hope

Regarding his international future, Reijnders says: “For me it was crucial that I can always still return to Europe.” He confirms that he has not been in contact with the new national team coach Xavi Hernández, but points out that players are increasingly returning to a top European league after a few years in Saudi Arabia, partly because the level has risen.

When leaving Manchester City, Reijnders mentions interest from Atlético Madrid and Nottingham Forest, but “Manchester City had a minimum price they wanted to sell me for.” He explains that “typical amounts of 50 or 60 million euros” in the Premier League are usually for players who “almost always played for their club.” Because he received few minutes in the second half of the season and was not playing in his preferred position, “that was the main reason I wanted to leave City.”

Reijnders says that the initial talks with manager Brendan Rodgers made him “increasingly excited.” “I actually became more and more excited,” he says, and admits that he “had to look up” which colours Al‑Qadsiah wears. He concludes that he now “really plays with a smile on my face,” despite the critical questions about the timing of the transfer.

© Pim Ras Photography – Last update: 07:54. Reijnders remains optimistic about his future: he wants to play “still beautiful years” on European pitches, but sees his current contract as an opportunity to combine financial security with sporting development.