Manchester City have found their next midfield leader. Following Kevin De Bruyne’
departure, the Premier League giants have secured **Tijjani Reijnders** in a **£46.5 million (€55m/\$63m)** move from AC Milan — a player many believe is ready to take the reins in Pep Guardiola’s evolving midfield.
A Footballer in His Blood
Reijnders isn’t new to football legacy. His father, Martin, was a professional
player, and his brother Eliano currently plays for PEC Zwolle in the Dutch
Eredivisie. The Dutch international also carries Indonesian heritage through his
mother, a background shared with his brother, who has chosen to represent
Indonesia internationally.
From PEC Zwolle to AZ Alkmaar and later AC Milan, Reijnders’ rise has been
gradual and deserved. Despite interest from Barcelona, he opted for Milan in
2023, saying, “I can play in my own position, the place where I feel most
comfortable.”
A Breakthrough Season in Serie A
While his first season in Italy was solid, his second was spectacular. He was
named Serie A’s Best Midfielder and earned a spot in the Team of the Season,
catching the eye of Guardiola — who rarely misses a future star.
With Manchester City enduring a rare trophyless season and a third-place Premier
League finish, the Dutchman arrives during a transitional phase. His signing is
seen as crucial to City’s title ambitions next season.
The De Bruyne Comparison: Similar, But Not the Same
Kevin De Bruyne’s legacy at City is immense — combining creativity, work rate,
and tactical intelligence. While Reijnders shares many traits, including:
Line-breaking passes: He completed **more than any player in Serie A last season,
per Opta.
Football IQ: Frequently positions himself in dangerous areas to receive and
distribute the ball effectively.
He differs in chance creation. According to the Premier League’s Ali Tweedale,
only 10 of his 229 line-breaking passes directly led to a chance — a stat that
pales in comparison to De Bruyne’s 57 chances created in just 28 matches last
season.
A Threat in Front of Goal
What Reijnders lacks in direct assists, he makes up for in attacking intent.
With 77 shots and 10 goals** in Serie A last season — more than any non-striker
— he brings a goal-hungry attitude that City will appreciate.
What is Lies Ahead at City
Manchester City have built a reputation for smart transfers, and at 26 years
old, Reijnders combines youth with experience, having already racked up hundreds
of appearances in top-flight football.
However, challenges lie ahead:
Rodri’s fitness will be key. The Spaniard recently returned from an ACL injury
and will need to provide defensive cover alongside Reijnders, who is more
attack-minded.
Pep Guardiola’s system demands intelligence and adaptability. Some midfielders
have struggled early under Pep. Reijnders may not be afforded that adjustment
period — especially with expectations sky-high at the Etihad.
Tijjani Reijnders is stepping into one of the most high-pressure roles in
European football. But if his Serie A form is anything to go by, City might have
found their next great midfield orchestrator. Whether he becomes the new
heartbeat of the team or takes time to settle will be one of the Premier
League’s most compelling storylines in 2025/26.