Manchester City have officially announced the acquisition of Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan.
The 26-year-old joins the Premier League champions on a five-year deal, with an initial transfer fee reported to be £46.5 million.
Reijnders becomes City’s fourth signing of the summer transfer window, following the arrivals of Rayan Ait-Nouri, Marcus Bettinelli, and Rayan Cherki. His transfer was completed in time for him to be registered for this month’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where he could make his debut against Wydad FC on 18 June.
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“I am ecstatic to be signing for Manchester City,” Reijnders said. “City are one of the biggest teams in the world, with the best coach, world-class players and outstanding facilities.
“Under Pep Guardiola, City have won so many titles and I want to help keep that going with a lot more success in the coming years.”
Despite being capped 22 times by the Netherlands, Reijnders was an unused substitute during their emphatic 8-0 victory over Malta on Tuesday. Last season, he delivered an impressive campaign for AC Milan, netting 15 goals in 54 appearances across all competitions. His performances earned him the accolade of Serie A’s Midfielder of the Season.
City’s Director of Football, Hugo Viana, shared his enthusiasm about the club’s latest addition.
“We are very happy that Tijjani has joined us, and we’re excited for him to join Pep’s squad,” he began.
“He arrives here with extensive top-level experience in Europe both at club level as well as on the international stage with the Netherlands.
“Tijjani adds extra energy, composure and creativity to our midfield and working with Pep and our coaches will only see him go from strength to strength.”
With Kevin De Bruyne having recently left the club, Reijnders is expected to bring fresh dynamism and technical ability to the midfield as Guardiola’s side aim to improve on their third-place Premier League finish last season.
