Tijjani Reijnders has given his first interview as a Manchester City player. The Dutch international, who underwent his medical during the international break, revealed that manager Pep Guardiola played a major role in his decision.
Manchester City have made a major addition to their midfield with the signing of Dutch international Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan.
The deal, which could rise to €70 million including bonuses, marks one of the most talked-about moves of the summer and reflects Pep Guardiola’s continued focus on technical midfielders capable of thriving in City’s demanding system. Reijnders, 25, has signed a long-term contract until June 2030, becoming the latest piece in Guardiola’s evolving tactical puzzle.
The move didn’t happen overnight. In fact, it was months in the making. As reported, Guardiola had quietly sought the opinion of Netherlands national team coach Ronald Koeman, with whom he shares a close personal friendship. Koeman, who has worked closely with Reijnders in the Dutch setup, gave a glowing endorsement of the player’s character, intelligence, and tactical awareness. That positive assessment proved to be a crucial factor in City’s pursuit, and by the end of the international season, negotiations with AC Milan had advanced significantly.
Reijnders, who impressed with his consistent performances in Serie A and the Champions League, quickly became a top target for City’s recruitment team. Known for his composure on the ball, vision, and relentless work rate, the midfielder fits the mold of a Guardiola-style player. His ability to play both as a deep-lying playmaker and a box-to-box presence gives City added depth and flexibility a valuable asset in a squad already brimming with elite talent.
Speaking to Manchester City’s official website after completing his medical during the international break, Reijnders couldn’t hide his excitement. “This is a great opportunity for me,” he said. “I’ve always admired Guardiola I’ve been following him since his Barcelona days. The way his teams play, the intensity, the structure, the freedom within the system it’s something I’ve always wanted to be a part of.”
“Watching how he brought that same style to Manchester City made me even more excited. The idea of dominating the ball, controlling matches, and playing creative, attacking football that’s what I enjoy most. It’s what suits my game, and I think this is the perfect place to take the next step in my career.”
The move to England also fulfills a long-held dream for the Dutchman. “Everyone knows the Premier League is the biggest league in the world,” Reijnders continued. “You see the quality of teams from top to bottom, and the intensity of every match. It’s every young footballer’s dream to one day play here.”
“But especially with Manchester City, you need to think even faster,” he noted. “The spaces are smaller, the pressure is higher, and the expectations are enormous. That’s exactly the kind of challenge I wanted. I want to improve every day, and I think this environment will push me to be the best version of myself.”
Reijnders also spoke about the transition from Italian to English football, acknowledging the differences between the tactical nature of Serie A and the high-speed, physical, and demanding tempo of the Premier League. “At Milan, I learned a lot about positioning, game intelligence, and patience. Here, I’ll need to add more urgency and sharpness especially in transition and under pressure. But that’s why I’m here. To learn and grow.”
Manchester City fans might not have to wait long to see their new signing in action. Thanks to the timing of his transfer, Reijnders is eligible to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup, where City will face Moroccan side Wydad AC in their opening match next week. Guardiola is expected to include him in the traveling squad, and there’s a strong chance Reijnders could make his debut on the international stage an ideal opportunity for him to get acclimated in a competitive setting.
For City, the arrival of Reijnders could signal a subtle shift in Guardiola’s midfield plans for the upcoming season. With the long-term futures of players like Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne always subject to speculation, and with an ageing core in midfield, adding a versatile and tactically intelligent player like Reijnders could prove vital. His ability to cover multiple roles in midfield gives Guardiola the tactical flexibility he craves, particularly as City continue to compete on multiple fronts from domestic dominance to European glory.
It’s still early days, but the Reijnders signing already feels like more than just a squad addition. With Guardiola’s personal involvement, Koeman’s endorsement, and Reijnders’ clear enthusiasm for the challenge, Manchester City might have landed one of the most well-rounded midfielders of the next generation. If he adapts quickly and lives up to the expectations, this transfer could be remembered as a key move in keeping City at the top of world football.
