Reijnders departs Manchester City for Saudi Arabia after just one season at the Etihad

Manchester City have confirmed the permanent sale of Tijjani Reijnders to Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah for approximately £51 million, ending the Dutch midfielder’s single-season stay at the Etihad Stadium.

Reijnders arrived from AC Milan last summer for £46.5 million and made 50 appearances, scoring seven goals, before City accepted the Saudi club’s offer. He departs having helped City win a domestic cup double, but leaves the club in a period of significant transition.

“I have been incredibly privileged to play for Manchester City, and I have relished every minute of my time here,” Reijnders said on the club’s official website. “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.”

His exit is the latest in a turbulent summer at the Etihad that has also seen manager Pep Guardiola leave alongside senior players Rodri, John Stones, Bernardo Silva, and Nathan Ake. New head coach Enzo Maresca, who admitted after Sunday’s 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal in Cardiff that he wants further reinforcements, now faces a depleted midfield as the Premier League season approaches.

Reijnders will link up with former Liverpool and Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers at Al Qadsiah.

City’s most notable incoming business this summer has been the £116 million signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. Reijnders’ departure is expected to accelerate the club’s pursuit of Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, while Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea also remains a reported target.

City open their Premier League campaign at home to Bournemouth on Sunday, with fixtures against Crystal Palace and newly promoted Coventry City to follow before the first Manchester derby of the season on 13 September.