Tijjani Reijnders Transfer Saga: Manchester City’s Pursuit of AC Milan’s Dutch Maestro

In the swirling theatre of summer transfers, few sagas encapsulate the modern football paradox better than Manchester City’s pursuit of AC Milan’s standout midfielder, Tijjani Reijnders. What began as a quiet acquisition by the Rossoneri has now turned into one of the hottest storylines of the window, with City eyeing the Dutchman as a key reinforcement ahead of a demanding new season.

Reijnders’ transformation from an under-the-radar signing from AZ Alkmaar into a central figure in Milan’s midfield is nothing short of spectacular. In his breakout campaign, he has notched an impressive 15 goals and 5 assists in all competitions, turning heads across Europe and earning acclaim as one of Serie A’s top performers.

At 25, Reijnders offers the ideal blend of experience and untapped potential. He’s technically gifted, tactically intelligent, and immensely versatile—qualities that have become prerequisites for players looking to thrive under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Unsurprisingly, the Premier League champions have made their interest official, with talks reportedly underway.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, City are keen on wrapping up the deal swiftly, especially with the Club World Cup looming and fixture congestion on the horizon. Guardiola’s strategy has always leaned on early business, preventing late-window battles and inflated prices driven by competitive bids.

But Milan are not willing to roll over easily. The Rossoneri value Reijnders at no less than €75 million—a significant markup from City’s opening €65 million proposal. While the €10 million gap might seem bridgeable, it reflects deeper philosophical differences. For Milan, Reijnders is a symbol of their talent development ethos. For City, he’s a tactical solution and a medium-term investment.

This tug-of-war reveals much about the modern football economy. AC Milan acquired Reijnders for just €20 million, meaning a sale at their asking price would represent a sizeable profit. But that same transaction could be viewed by fans as another sign that the club prioritizes finance over football.

Indeed, Milan’s recent history has been peppered with high-profile departures—Sandro Tonali being a prime example. Sold to Newcastle United in a similarly controversial move, Tonali left a glaring void that remains unfilled. The Reijnders saga echoes that episode and has reignited debates among supporters about the club’s true ambitions.

Fan frustration is mounting. Many feel that Milan is becoming a “selling club,” especially under the American ownership of RedBird Capital. The lack of European competition next season only heightens these fears, reducing the club’s leverage in negotiations and in attracting worthy replacements.

Beyond the boardroom and bank statements, it’s Reijnders’ on-field profile that makes this chase so fascinating. He’s not just a goal-scorer from midfield; he’s a tactical chameleon. Reijnders can play as a box-to-box engine, a deep-lying playmaker, or an attacking pivot. His timing in the box is elite, and his composure in front of goal rivals that of many forwards.

Defensively, he’s no slouch either. Intelligent positioning, sharp anticipation, and a relentless work rate make him a two-way threat. His contributions to Milan’s press and build-up play reflect a player finely tuned to modern football’s demands. All of this makes him a perfect Guardiola player—one who doesn’t just fit a system but enhances it.

From City’s perspective, the urgency is clear. With aging midfielders and shifting tactical roles, the need for fresh legs and ideas is paramount. Reijnders offers both. He could become the long-term heir to key roles currently filled by the likes of Kevin De Bruyne or Bernardo Silva, while also shouldering responsibilities in the present.

Meanwhile, Milan face a crucial crossroads. Selling Reijnders would undoubtedly bring in funds, but at what cost? The club’s recent signings—Origi, Musah, Chukwueze—have not justified their outlays. Letting go of one of the few proven success stories could undermine morale both within the squad and among the fanbase.

The strategic implications ripple across both squads. Should Milan agree to sell, their replacement strategy becomes paramount. With no Champions League football on offer, luring top-tier talent will be a Herculean task. That makes the timing and reinvestment of any fee received for Reijnders even more critical.

For City, acquiring the Dutchman could be part of a broader midfield reshaping, one that allows greater rotation across competitions like the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and the upcoming Club World Cup. Reijnders’ presence could be the difference-maker in tight fixtures, especially given his knack for decisive contributions.

There’s also a broader, more philosophical question at play here—one about the role of American ownership in European football. Critics argue that U.S.-led investment groups, like RedBird, prioritize profitability over trophies. Milan’s willingness to cash in on talents like Reijnders may be seen as evidence supporting that claim.

But the argument isn’t entirely one-sided. Other American-owned clubs—Liverpool and Arsenal, for instance—have shown that sporting success and financial prudence can coexist. The difference lies in execution. Milan’s model, for now, appears more short-term in its gains and less coherent in its long-term squad planning.

If this transfer materializes, the ripple effects will stretch well beyond the San Siro and the Etihad. It will influence transfer strategies across Europe, further highlight the power imbalance between Serie A and the Premier League, and perhaps spark renewed debate about financial fair play and its enforcement.

For Reijnders, a move to City would represent the ultimate validation of his rapid ascent. From AZ Alkmaar to potentially the reigning European champions, it would be the culmination of a remarkable journey—and the start of a new challenge at football’s highest level.

For Milan, however, it may be a sign of a worrying pattern: develop stars, sell them off, rinse, repeat. That cycle may be profitable, but at what cost to identity, legacy, and ambition?

In many ways, the Reijnders transfer saga is a microcosm of the football world today—a battleground of ideals, ambitions, and market forces. Whether he stays or goes, his story already speaks volumes about the state of the game.

Stay tuned. The summer window is only just heating up—and this might just be the transfer that defines it.