Reijnders departs Man City for Al-Qadsiah in £52m deal after one frustrating season

Tijjani Reijnders has completed a £52million move from Manchester City to Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah, ending a single turbulent season at the Etihad Stadium after the 28-year-old grew frustrated with a lack of regular playing time under Pep Guardiola.

The Dutch midfielder arrived from AC Milan for £47million just twelve months ago but managed only sporadic starts despite making 47 appearances across all competitions. New City head coach Enzo Maresca revealed that Reijnders had already made up his mind to leave before the Italian even took charge, describing the situation as one where club, player and manager all pointed in the same direction.

“When they don’t play, they struggle to understand or they struggle to see the reason why, and I can understand that after one season some of them would like to play a little bit more,” Maresca said. “It’s a bit difficult to convince players when they are already convinced. When the club, the player, the manager all think the same way — that probably the best decision for a player is to go — you have to go.”

Maresca had used Reijnders in three pre-season friendlies in Asia, but the midfielder’s destination was effectively settled before the Community Shield. The departure adds to a significant reshaping of City’s midfield this summer, with Bernardo Silva and Rodri also leaving the club, while Elliot Anderson has arrived and Ayyoub Bouaddi is expected to follow.

In a farewell statement, Reijnders was warm in his praise for the club despite the difficult circumstances. “I have been incredibly privileged to play for Manchester City, and I have relished every minute of my time here,” he said. “To be part of the squad that won two such special trophies last season were both incredible experiences and achievements that I will savour forever. I may be moving on but I will always have a special place in my heart for Manchester City.”

The net loss of £5million on a player signed only a year ago underlines the scale of City’s midfield overhaul, with Guardiola’s side now navigating a summer of considerable transition ahead of the new Premier League campaign.