Tijjani Reijnders Officially Joins Al Qadsiah After Manchester City Exit

Tijjani Reijnders Officially Joins Al Qadsiah After Manchester City Exit

Tijjani Reijnders has officially completed his move from Manchester City to Al Qadsiah, bringing his brief spell in the Premier League to an end and opening a new chapter for the Netherlands international in Saudi Arabia. Manchester City confirmed the permanent transfer on Wednesday, August 19, with Reijnders leaving the English club after just over a year in Manchester.

Reijnders Begins a New Chapter in Saudi Arabia

The 28-year-old midfielder joined Manchester City from AC Milan and quickly became an important part of the squad. His departure now sees him move to Al Qadsiah, a club that has been strengthening its squad with the ambition of competing at the top end of Saudi football.

Reijnders arrives with considerable European experience. Before moving to England, he established himself as a key midfielder at AC Milan, where his performances earned him international recognition with the Netherlands.

His move to Manchester City represented the biggest step of his career at the time, but his stay at the Etihad lasted only one season.

A Short Manchester City Spell

Reijnders made 50 appearances for Manchester City during his time at the club, scoring seven goals and providing eight assists.

He made an immediate impact in England, scoring on his Premier League debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers during City's 4-0 victory. He also contributed an assist in that match, underlining his ability to influence games from midfield.

His final period at Manchester City also included a memorable performance in pre-season, when he scored twice against Palermo in the Anglo-Palermitan Trophy.

Despite those positive moments, City decided to reshape their midfield during the summer transfer window, paving the way for Reijnders to pursue a new challenge.

Why Al Qadsiah?

Al Qadsiah offers Reijnders a prominent role in a Saudi Pro League side with growing ambitions. The club finished fourth in the Saudi league last season and has continued to invest in its squad.

The team is coached by Brendan Rodgers, who has extensive experience in European football after spells with Liverpool, Celtic and Leicester City. Rodgers was appointed by Al Qadsiah in December 2025 as part of the club's plans to build a competitive side.

Reijnders' arrival therefore represents another major addition to a squad looking to challenge for important honors in Saudi Arabia.

A Major Transfer for Al Qadsiah

The transfer is also significant financially. Reports in the days leading up to the official announcement placed the deal at around £51 million to £52 million, while other reports valued the package at approximately €60 million.

The agreement highlights the growing ability of Saudi clubs to attract established European players, particularly those who remain at a high level of their careers.

For Manchester City, meanwhile, the transfer forms part of a wider midfield rebuild under new manager Enzo Maresca, with the club making substantial changes to its squad during the summer.

What Reijnders Brings to Al Qadsiah

Reijnders gives Al Qadsiah a midfielder capable of contributing in several areas of the game. His experience in Serie A, the Premier League and international football should provide Rodgers with another technically strong option in the middle of the pitch.

His ability to carry the ball forward, arrive in attacking areas and contribute goals makes him more than a conventional holding midfielder. His record at Manchester City, where he recorded seven goals and eight assists in 50 appearances, reflects that attacking contribution.

The next challenge will be adapting to a different league and a new tactical environment while taking on greater responsibility at his new club.

A New Era for Reijnders

Reijnders now leaves Manchester City after a single season and moves into a new phase of his career with Al Qadsiah. His decision adds another high-profile name to the Saudi Pro League and strengthens a club that is clearly aiming to establish itself among the country's leading teams.

After making his name in Europe with AC Milan and experiencing the Premier League with Manchester City, Reijnders will now look to make the same kind of impact in Saudi Arabia.

For Al Qadsiah, the signing could prove to be one of the defining moves of its latest squad-building project. For Reijnders, it represents the opportunity to take on a central role and begin a fresh chapter away from European football.

Comments (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Leave a Reply

Note: Links and URLs are strictly not allowed. All comments are reviewed before publishing.