Manchester City are reportedly closing in on what could become a record-breaking transfer for AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, as Pep Guardiola aims to rejuvenate his squad following a disappointing 2024/25 campaign. Sources close to the negotiations suggest significant progress has been made in recent weeks, with the reigning Premier League champions prepared to shatter Milan’s previous record sale to secure the Dutch international’s services.
The potential deal, which could exceed £70 million according to Football Insider, underscores City’s determination to address the glaring weaknesses that have plagued their performances throughout the current season. If completed, the transfer would comfortably surpass the £56 million that Real Madrid paid for Kaka in 2009, which remains AC Milan’s biggest outgoing transfer to date.
The Rodri Factor: City’s Midfield Vulnerability Exposed
Manchester City’s struggles this season have been inextricably linked to the absence of Rodri, their influential Spanish midfielder who has emerged as one of the world’s premier defensive midfielders over recent years. Without Rodri’s steadying presence, City’s midfield has often appeared disjointed and lacking the control that has been the hallmark of Guardiola’s teams throughout his illustrious managerial career.
The statistics tell a compelling story: City’s win percentage drops dramatically when Rodri is unavailable, highlighting his importance to the team’s overall structure and balance. His ability to break up opposition attacks, retain possession under pressure, and initiate offensive transitions has proven impossible to replicate with the current squad options.
This vulnerability became painfully apparent around the turn of the year when City effectively dropped out of the Premier League title race—an unusual position for a team that had secured an unprecedented four consecutive league titles prior to this season. While their form has stabilized somewhat in recent months, the damage had already been done, with their Premier League crown slipping away much earlier than anyone at the Etihad Stadium would have anticipated.
Reijnders: The Solution to City’s Midfield Problems?
Tijjani Reijnders has emerged as one of Serie A’s standout performers since joining AC Milan from AZ Alkmaar in July 2023. The 26-year-old Dutch international has enjoyed a remarkable breakout season, contributing 15 goals and 5 assists across all competitions—impressive returns for a midfielder primarily valued for his technical abilities and tactical intelligence rather than his goal-scoring prowess.
What makes Reijnders particularly attractive to Guardiola is his versatility. Capable of operating as a box-to-box number eight or in a double pivot at the base of midfield, Reijnders offers tactical flexibility that would be invaluable to a manager who frequently adapts his team’s shape according to the opposition.
His technical security in possession aligns perfectly with City’s possession-oriented philosophy, while his energy and dynamism would inject much-needed vitality into a midfield that has appeared increasingly labored this season. At 26, Reijnders is entering his prime years as a midfielder, offering both immediate impact and long-term value.
Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke highlighted Reijnders’ appeal to City, noting: “He can play as a number eight, a box-to-box midfielder, or he can play in a double pivot as well. So it’s definitely something Pep Guardiola is looking to add to his team.”
Milan’s Reluctance and Financial Realities
Despite their interest dating back to January, City found Milan unwilling to entertain mid-season discussions for their prized midfielder. The situation has evolved since then, with Milan’s disappointing campaign—which sees them likely to miss out on Champions League qualification—potentially softening their stance on player sales.
Nevertheless, Milan’s negotiating position remains strong. Reijnders signed a contract extension in March that ties him to the club until 2030, putting Milan in a commanding position to demand a premium fee. Without the financial boost of Champions League football next season, however, Milan may need to balance their books through player sales, creating an opening for City to exploit.
The reported £70+ million asking price would represent a considerable investment, even for a club with City’s resources. However, City’s hierarchy has consistently demonstrated willingness to back Guardiola with significant transfer funds when required, particularly when addressing strategic weaknesses in the squad.
Broader Context: City’s Aging Squad
The pursuit of Reijnders must be viewed within the broader context of Manchester City’s aging squad. Key midfielders Kevin De Bruyne (33), İlkay Gündoğan (34), and Bernardo Silva (30) are all approaching or have entered the latter stages of their careers, while Mateo Kovačić (30) has struggled to make the expected impact since his arrival from Chelsea.
This aging profile has contributed to City’s lack of dynamism in midfield this season, with the team frequently unable to maintain the intense pressing and quick transitions that characterized their play during more successful campaigns. The physical demands of Guardiola’s system require players with exceptional stamina and recovery capabilities—attributes that naturally diminish with age.
The situation has been compounded by the departure of long-serving midfielder Fernandinho in 2022, whose leadership and tactical understanding proved difficult to replace. While Rodri has admirably stepped into his shoes from a playing perspective, the team has arguably never fully recovered from losing the Brazilian’s intangible qualities.
Reijnders would represent more than just an additional body in midfield; he would signal the beginning of a necessary regeneration process for a squad that has shown clear signs of collective fatigue after years of competing at the highest level across multiple competitions.
Summer of Change: City’s Broader Transfer Strategy
The pursuit of Reijnders appears to be just one element of what promises to be a transformative summer for Manchester City. Reports indicate that Guardiola is planning significant changes across multiple positions, with defenders and attackers also on the shopping list.
January saw City become Europe’s biggest spenders, addressing immediate needs as they battled through a challenging period. This summer could see an even more substantial investment as Guardiola looks to build what would effectively be his third distinct Manchester City team since taking charge in 2016.
The club’s sporting director Txiki Begiristain has reportedly been working closely with Guardiola to identify targets who can implement the manager’s exacting tactical demands while bringing fresh energy to a squad that has appeared mentally and physically exhausted at times this season.
Given the scrutiny over their finances amid the Premier League’s ongoing investigation into alleged financial breaches, City will need to balance their transfer activity carefully. However, their significant commercial growth in recent years provides substantial legitimate revenue streams to fund major signings.
Immediate Focus: FA Cup Final
While transfer speculation intensifies, City’s immediate focus remains on salvaging silverware from a disappointing season. This Saturday’s FA Cup final against Crystal Palace represents an opportunity to end the campaign on a positive note, potentially providing emotional fuel for the rebuild to come.
A victory would secure Guardiola’s ninth major trophy with the club and maintain their remarkable record of winning at least one piece of silverware in each of his full seasons in charge. It would also provide a tangible reward for the improved performances that have characterized the latter part of their season.
The match at Wembley also offers several City players a potential farewell appearance in sky blue, with the anticipated summer overhaul likely to see some established names departing. For Guardiola himself, success in the cup final would reinforce his position of strength as he oversees what could be the most significant period of change since his arrival in Manchester.
Champions League Qualification: The Financial Imperative
Beyond the emotional significance of the FA Cup, City’s current league position means they are well-placed to secure Champions League qualification for next season—an absolute financial necessity for their ambitious transfer plans.
The financial windfall from Champions League participation would provide additional flexibility in the transfer market, allowing City to pursue targets like Reijnders without falling foul of Premier League profitability and sustainability regulations.
Moreover, the prestige of Champions League football remains a powerful draw for potential recruits. Players of Reijnders’ caliber typically expect to be competing at the highest level of European competition, making qualification an important factor in City’s ability to attract top talent.
Guardiola’s Future: Building for Succession?
Hovering in the background of all transfer discussions is the uncertain future of Pep Guardiola himself. The Catalan has repeatedly hinted at the physical and mental toll of managing at the highest level, and his current contract situation has led to persistent speculation about when he might decide to step away from the Etihad Stadium.
This context adds an intriguing dimension to City’s pursuit of Reijnders and their broader transfer strategy. Are they building a team specifically tailored to Guardiola’s requirements, or are they assembling a squad that could seamlessly transition to a potential successor?
The profile of targets like Reijnders—technically accomplished, tactically intelligent, and versatile—suggests City are focusing on players who would be valuable assets regardless of who occupies the manager’s office in the coming years. This balanced approach protects the club’s long-term interests while still addressing Guardiola’s immediate needs.
Competing for Signatures: The Transfer Market Landscape
City’s pursuit of Reijnders will not happen in a vacuum. The summer transfer window promises to be highly competitive, with several European powerhouses seeking midfield reinforcements. Liverpool, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich have all been linked with moves for similar player profiles, potentially creating bidding wars for top targets.
What sets City apart is their combination of financial power, the allure of working with Guardiola, and their established winning culture. Despite this season’s relative disappointments, they remain one of the most attractive destinations in world football for ambitious players.
Reijnders himself has expressed admiration for the Premier League in previous interviews, describing it as “the most beautiful league in the world.” This stated preference could give City an edge in negotiations, particularly if other Premier League clubs enter the race for his signature.
The Haaland Factor: Keeping the Superstar Satisfied
Another consideration in City’s transfer strategy is the need to build a team that maximizes the extraordinary talents of Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker has continued his remarkable goalscoring form this season despite the team’s broader struggles, cementing his status as one of world football’s most lethal forwards.
Recent speculation linking Haaland with a move to Real Madrid—reports suggest the Spanish giants believe they can trigger a £135 million release clause—adds urgency to City’s squad strengthening plans. Demonstrating ambition in the transfer market, particularly by signing players who can provide the service Haaland thrives on, could be crucial in securing the striker’s long-term commitment.
Reijnders’ ability to operate as an advanced midfielder who can contribute both goals and assists would complement Haaland’s predatory instincts. The Dutchman’s vision and passing range could forge a productive partnership with City’s star striker, potentially creating the kind of telepathic understanding that Haaland enjoyed with Kevin De Bruyne before the Belgian’s injury problems this season.
Tactical Evolution: Adapting to New Challenges
Beyond personnel changes, City’s interest in Reijnders hints at potential tactical evolutions under Guardiola. The manager has consistently shown willingness to adapt his approach according to available players and evolving competitive landscapes.
This season’s struggles have exposed certain limitations in City’s established playing style, particularly against opponents who have become increasingly sophisticated in their counter-pressing and transitional play. The addition of a midfielder with Reijnders’ specific attributes could facilitate a more direct, vertically-oriented approach when required—adding unpredictability to City’s typically possession-heavy game.
The Dutchman’s comfort in operating in tight spaces makes him ideal for breaking through congested midfields, while his progressive passing could help City transition from defense to attack more efficiently—addressing a notable weakness in their play this season.
Financial Implications: The Cost of Rebuilding
A transfer fee in the region of £70 million for Reijnders would represent a significant investment, yet it’s likely to be just one part of a much larger financial commitment from City this summer. If multiple positions are to be strengthened as reported, the club’s total transfer expenditure could easily exceed £200 million.
This level of spending will inevitably attract scrutiny in the context of football’s financial regulations. City continue to fight the Premier League’s case against them regarding alleged financial breaches, and their summer business will be conducted under the watchful eyes of both regulatory bodies and competing clubs.
However, City’s commercial operation has grown substantially in recent years, with new sponsorship deals and increased matchday revenue providing legitimate funding streams for transfer activity. The club’s leadership has consistently maintained that all their financial operations are compliant with applicable regulations.
The Timing Question: Why Now for Reijnders?
The acceleration of City’s interest in Reijnders raises questions about timing. Having monitored him since January, why has the club chosen this moment to intensify their pursuit?
Several factors appear to be at play. Firstly, Reijnders’ excellent form throughout the season has presumably removed any lingering doubts about his suitability for Premier League football. Secondly, Milan’s failure to secure Champions League qualification weakens their negotiating position despite the player’s long contract.
Most significantly, City’s disappointing campaign has created a sense of urgency around the need for reinforcements. The visible decline in performance levels suggests that incremental changes will no longer suffice—a more substantial rebuild is required to restore City to their dominant best.
By moving decisively before the summer transfer window officially opens, City are attempting to gain an advantage over potential competitors and complete key business early—allowing new signings maximum time to integrate during pre-season.
Conclusion: A Defining Summer Awaits
Manchester City stand at a crossroads. After years of domestic dominance, this season’s regression has exposed the need for rejuvenation and reinvention. The pursuit of Tijjani Reijnders represents the first step in what promises to be a transformative summer for the club.
If successful in securing the Dutch midfielder’s signature, City would be acquiring not just an excellent player but also a symbol of their determination to address weaknesses and evolve. The reported £70+ million fee would reflect both Reijnders’ intrinsic value and the premium City are willing to pay to kickstart their rebuild.
With the FA Cup final offering a chance for immediate redemption and Champions League qualification all but secured, attention at the Etihad will soon turn fully to the transfer market. The coming months will determine whether City can successfully navigate this transitional period and construct a squad capable of returning to the summit of English and European football.
For Guardiola, the stakes could hardly be higher. Having built two tremendously successful Manchester City teams already, he now faces the challenge of creating a third—potentially his final contribution to the club’s remarkable modern history. The pursuit of Reijnders suggests he remains as ambitious and demanding as ever, unwilling to accept anything less than excellence from his players and his club.
As City fans look ahead to the 2025/26 season, they do so with a mixture of uncertainty and anticipation. The familiar faces who delivered unprecedented success may soon give way to a new generation of talent. The proposed signing of Tijjani Reijnders would represent just the beginning of what promises to be the most significant period of change in Manchester City’s recent history.
