Reijnders admits Saudi move was financially driven but defends Al Qadsiah switch

Tijjani Reijnders has openly admitted that the financial package offered by Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah was a significant factor in his decision to leave Manchester City this summer, while pushing back against the notion that his career is winding down.

The Dutch midfielder, 28, departed the Etihad Stadium after just one season, during which he made 50 appearances — including three at the Club World Cup — scoring seven goals and registering eight assists. City accepted a £52m offer from the Saudi club, and Reijnders says the move was driven by more than just wages.

Speaking to NOS, Reijnders explained that a positional dispute first planted the seed of doubt. “During pre-season, I noticed that things were heading in that direction again with City,” he said, referring to being deployed as a No.10 rather than his preferred box-to-box No.8 role. “I started wondering if I wanted to continue like that for another season. The honest answer was no.”

Despite reported interest from Nottingham Forest and other European clubs, Reijnders chose Saudi Arabia — and he did not shy away from the financial reality. “Me a money grabber? I can’t deny that,” he said. “I think many people have the idea that your career as a top footballer is over when you choose to take such a step. I had that feeling at first too.”

He went further in defending the decision on generational terms. “You can always play the moral crusader, but I think everyone would say yes to that. I don’t want to work anymore after my career. I didn’t have to anymore after City, but now I can also do well for generations after me. If my grandchildren can also live well because of this choice, why wouldn’t I do it?”

Reijnders also challenged the perception that the Saudi Pro League is a step down in quality. “I rate the Saudi league, with all those big names, even higher than the Eredivisie,” he said. “If people want to pass judgment on the football there, they have to see it first.”

His move has not cost him his international standing. Netherlands head coach Xavi, who himself managed Al-Sadd SC in Qatar before taking charge of Barcelona, has continued to select Reijnders despite the Dutch national team previously avoiding players based in Saudi Arabia. “If a player performs there, there is no problem for me selecting him,” Xavi said.

Since joining Al Qadsiah, Reijnders has scored three goals in six appearances. The Netherlands face Germany, Serbia and Greece in the Nations League during the current international break.