Man City target ‘cancels holiday’ to complete stunning £55 million transfer\

Manchester City appear to be closing in on their first marquee signing of what promises to be a crucial summer transfer window. According to widespread reports, AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders has emerged as a top target for Pep Guardiola’s side, with speculation intensifying after the Dutch midfielder reportedly cancelled a family holiday to Ibiza to focus on finalising his transfer.

Reijnders, 26, has been a standout performer in Serie A since joining AC Milan from AZ Alkmaar, and his rapid development into a dominant midfield presence has not gone unnoticed by top European clubs. Now, it seems the Premier League champions-in-waiting have positioned themselves at the front of the queue, willing to pay a fee in the region of £55 million to bring the dynamic playmaker to the Etihad.

Manchester City are in the midst of a squad overhaul after a disappointing 2024/25 campaign that saw them finish third in the Premier League and bow out early in European competitions. For a club accustomed to success under Guardiola, the trophyless season has prompted major reflection, both tactically and in terms of squad composition.

The arrival of Hugo Viana as the new Director of Football marks a fresh chapter in City’s recruitment strategy. Viana, known for his deep understanding of the European football landscape, has wasted no time identifying talents that could rejuvenate Guardiola’s squad—and Reijnders is firmly in his crosshairs.

Despite splashing £180 million on four new signings in January, City’s mid-season reinforcements failed to deliver the desired impact. Guardiola is now seeking a more refined and calculated approach in the summer, targeting players who can seamlessly adapt to his high-intensity pressing style and fluid tactical demands.

Tijjani Reijnders fits that profile perfectly. At AC Milan, he has blossomed into a versatile midfield operator—capable of playing as a deep-lying playmaker, box-to-box engine, or even a false nine. His intelligence on and off the ball, combined with a remarkable tally of 15 goals last season, has elevated him into one of Europe’s most intriguing midfield talents.

Reijnders’ rise has not come without challenges. Many doubted his ability to transition from the Dutch Eredivisie to Serie A, questioning whether he possessed the physical resilience and consistency needed in a more demanding league. But he has silenced those critics, becoming one of Milan’s most reliable and technically adept performers.

AC Milan’s failure to qualify for European competition next season has compounded their financial woes, forcing them to entertain offers for key players. The Rossoneri’s eighth-place finish has left them in a vulnerable position, and City are poised to take advantage with a deal that benefits both clubs—providing Milan with much-needed funds and City with a world-class midfield option.

The timing of this potential transfer couldn’t be better. With the newly-expanded FIFA Club World Cup on the horizon, City are one of several elite clubs granted access to a special transfer window running from June 1–10. This short window gives them the perfect chance to reinforce before heading to the United States, and Reijnders’ early arrival could prove vital to their hopes in the tournament.

Reports from Italy indicating that Reijnders has cancelled a family holiday to Ibiza have only added fuel to the fire. Such actions, while subtle, often signify a major development behind the scenes. For fans and analysts alike, it’s a strong indication that negotiations between the two clubs are at an advanced stage and that Reijnders is preparing for life in England.

Cancelling a holiday might seem like a small gesture, but in football’s intricate world of transfers, it speaks volumes. Reijnders appears committed to sealing the move, eager to join Guardiola’s squad and participate in the Club World Cup. His decision aligns with the tournament’s schedule and suggests that personal terms have likely been agreed upon.

If completed, the move would not only add depth to City’s midfield but also inject new energy into a team seeking to evolve tactically. Guardiola’s midfield has seen transitions in recent years, with the likes of Fernandinho and Ilkay Gündoğan departing and their replacements struggling to match expectations. Reijnders could be the dynamic spark needed to reset the rhythm in central areas.

His unique combination of pressing intensity, technical skill, and goal-scoring ability makes him a dream fit for Guardiola’s high-octane system. He can collect deep, break lines with his dribbling, and support attacks in the final third. This multi-dimensional skill set is crucial in modern football, especially for a team like City that relies heavily on positional play.

While Reijnders is currently the primary focus, Manchester City are also eyeing additional midfield targets, including Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White. Guardiola values competition within the squad, and bringing in multiple players is part of a broader plan to avoid over-reliance on any single signing.

Their failed pursuit of Florian Wirtz—who recently joined Liverpool—illustrates City’s pragmatic stance in the market. They’re not afraid to walk away from overpriced deals, preferring to allocate resources strategically. The same measured approach is being applied across other departments, with Wolves’ Rayan Ait-Nouri also under consideration to strengthen the defensive flanks.

The expanded Club World Cup represents a unique challenge for Guardiola. His squad will face clubs from across continents, including Wydad AC, Al Ain, and Juventus, all of whom present vastly different styles of play. Having someone like Reijnders—who’s adaptable and comfortable in unfamiliar environments—could be a major asset during the tournament.

Guardiola has always prized tactical flexibility, and Reijnders brings that in abundance. He’s a player who can play several roles within a game, seamlessly adjusting to shifting formations and match dynamics. Whether dropping back to shield the defence or pushing forward to overload the box, he fits the mould of a true Guardiola midfielder.

As City prepare for a defining summer, this potential signing represents more than just a personnel upgrade—it’s a statement of intent. After a season that fell below expectations, the club’s hierarchy is determined to reassert their dominance domestically and in Europe. Reijnders could be the first of several moves aimed at re-establishing their supremacy.

Hugo Viana’s growing influence is already being felt. The former Portuguese international has brought a sharper, more data-driven approach to recruitment, aligning well with Guardiola’s demands for adaptable, technically proficient players. The Reijnders deal is likely the first example of this new direction in action.

Should the deal go through, it would be a major psychological boost for City’s supporters, who are eager to see the club return to its trophy-winning ways. The buzz around Reijnders reflects a broader excitement about the potential evolution of Guardiola’s team heading into the 2025/26 season.

In the ultra-competitive world of football transfers, City have acted decisively. With Reijnders likely to arrive before the Club World Cup, Guardiola will have the opportunity to mould him into the squad during a pivotal international tournament. If all goes according to plan, the Dutchman could become a cornerstone of City’s next great team.