Reijnders leaves Manchester City for Al-Qadsiah in £52m deal
Quick summary
Tijjani Reijnders has departed Manchester City to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah in a £52 million transfer.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceNetherlands midfielder Tijjani Reijnders completes a £52m move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Qadsiah from Manchester City.
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What happened
Tijjani Reijnders, the Dutch midfielder who joined Manchester City from AC Milan last summer, has left the Etihad after just one season to sign for Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia. The deal is reported at £52 million. Reijnders had been a key midfield signing for City but struggled at times to establish himself as a regular starter. His departure is another significant move from the Premier League to the Saudi Pro League, as Al-Qadsiah continue to invest heavily in top European talent.
Chance analysis
Reijnders' exit after a single season in Manchester is a notable statement about both City's midfield depth and the pull of Saudi football's spending power. Signed for around £55m from AC Milan just 12 months ago, the Dutchman departs for a similar fee to a rising Saudi project in Al-Qadsiah, suggesting a near break-even move for City. The loss of a technically gifted midfielder reshapes Pep Guardiola's options, while Al-Qadsiah add a proven Champions League-level talent to their squad, accelerating their ambition to compete at the top of the Saudi Pro League.
Manchester City lose a midfield squad player acquired just one year ago, while Al-Qadsiah significantly strengthen their midfield with a top-level European talent.