Tijjani Reijnders trades Premier League for Saudi riches

Tijjani Reijnders' decision to leave the Premier League for the Saudi Pro League underlines how money now dictates career moves, with the Dutch midfielder swapping Manchester City for Al‑Qadsiah after just one season in England and signing a lucrative four‑year deal that eclipses typical European wages.

Financial lure of the Saudi league

Reijnders admitted the financial package was the main driver, telling Dutch broadcaster, "Me a money grabber? I can't deny that. You can always play the moral crusader, but I think everyone would say yes to that." He added that the move would secure his grandchildren’s future.

The midfielder is set to earn around €100 million (£85.8 million) over four years at Al‑Qadsiah, a sum that dwarfs most salaries in the Premier League and highlights the Saudi Pro League’s growing financial clout.

City stint and transfer specifics

He arrived at Manchester City from AC Milan in the summer of 2025 for roughly £46 million, but after a solitary campaign he recorded seven goals and seven assists at the Etihad.

Despite links with Atletico Madrid and Juventus, Al‑Qadsiah coughed up about £52 million to secure his services, completing a surprise transfer that surprised many observers.

Manchester City lose Reijnders as he cites Saudi riches over ambition

During pre‑season under new boss Enzo Maresca, Reijnders sensed a shift towards a more advanced, number‑ten role – not his preferred position – prompting him to consider alternatives.

He confirmed that former Liverpool and Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers persuaded him to join Al‑Qadsiah, promising a three‑to‑four‑year spell in Saudi Arabia before a possible return to Europe.

Alfie Cairns Culshaw's Premier League coverage

Alfie Cairns Culshaw is a football journalist covering the Premier League for GIVEMESPORT. He joined the outlet in May 2024, is an avid Arsenal fan and season‑ticket holder, and previously worked for SportBible where he focused on Liverpool and Manchester United.

Culshaw creates YouTube content, runs an Arsenal Blog, and has amassed over 59 000 followers on Instagram. He also writes for The Football Faithful and has produced videos for CheekySport, giving detailed, data‑led analysis of the game.