Tijjani Reijnders: Manchester City’s New Midfield Maestro Set to Shine in 2025

Published on June 18, 2025 | By Jai

Tijjani Reijnders is the name on every Manchester City fan’s lips right now. The 26-year-old Dutch midfielder, signed from AC Milan for €55 million, made his debut for the Citizens in the FIFA Club World Cup opener against Wydad AC on June 18, 2025. With his dynamic playstyle, knack for goals, and a hunger to win trophies, Reijnders is poised to become a cornerstone of Pep Guardiola’s midfield. But who is this versatile star, and why is his arrival at the Etihad generating so much buzz?

In this in-depth blog, we’ll explore Tijjani Reijnders’ journey from the Netherlands to Manchester City, break down his standout stats, analyze his playing style, and discuss why he’s the perfect fit for City’s ambitions in 2025. From his Club World Cup debut to fan reactions on X, here’s everything you need to know about Tijjani Reijnders.

Who Is Tijjani Reijnders? From Almere to the Etihad

Born on July 29, 1998, in Zwolle, Netherlands, Tijjani Reijnders grew up in a footballing family. His father, Martin Reijnders, was a former Eredivisie striker, and his brother, Eliano, also plays professionally. Football was in Tijjani’s DNA from the start, but his path to stardom wasn’t a straight line. Starting at local club PEC Zwolle, he joined AZ Alkmaar’s youth academy, where his technical skills and vision began to shine.

Reijnders’ breakout came at AZ Alkmaar, where he made 126 appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing 18 assists. His performances caught the eye of AC Milan, who signed him in 2023 for €20 million. At Milan, he became a standout midfielder, earning the Serie A Midfielder of the Year award in 2024 with 15 goals and 5 assists in 52 appearances. His versatility—playing as a No. 8 or No. 10—and ball-carrying ability made him a prime target for Manchester City.

[](https://loopnews.com/content/man-city-sign-reijnders-from-ac-milan-to-complete-150m-spending-spree)

In June 2025, City secured Reijnders for €55 million, a move finalized just in time for the Club World Cup. His father, Martin, handled negotiations, showcasing the family’s close-knit bond. Reijnders called the move a “no-brainer,” citing City’s world-class facilities and Pep Guardiola’s coaching as key factors.

[](https://www.outlookindia.com/sports/football/tijjani-reijnders-manchester-city-silverware-pressure)

Tijjani Reijnders’ Stats: A Midfielder Who Delivers

Reijnders’ numbers tell the story of a midfielder who combines creativity with goal-scoring prowess. Here’s a snapshot of his 2024-25 season at AC Milan before joining City:

Appearances: 52
Goals: 15
Assists: 5
Pass Accuracy: 92%
Key Passes per Game: 1.8
Dribbles per Game: 1.5
Ball Recoveries per Game: 4.2

These stats highlight why City saw him as the answer to their midfield woes after a trophyless 2024-25 season. Unlike Kevin De Bruyne, whom he’s not here to replace, Reijnders brings a unique blend of energy, composure, and goal threat. His 95% pass accuracy against Finland in June 2025, along with creating a big chance, shows his ability to control games.

[](https://x.com/City_Xtra/status/1931448417177497614)

At City, he’s expected to link up with Rodri and Phil Foden, forming a dynamic midfield trio. His debut against Wydad AC saw him start alongside Foden and Rayan Cherki, signaling Guardiola’s trust in his immediate impact. Read our guide on Manchester City’s 2025 transfers for more on their new signings.

[](https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-city/club-world-cup/news/man-city-confirmed-xi-cherki-reijnders-ait-nouri-decisions-made-for-wydad-ac-clash_575767.html)

Why Tijjani Reijnders Fits Pep Guardiola’s System

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City thrives on possession, quick transitions, and versatile players. Tijjani Reijnders checks all these boxes. Here’s why he’s a perfect fit:

Versatility: Reijnders can play as a deep-lying playmaker, box-to-box midfielder, or attacking No. 10. This flexibility allows Guardiola to adapt tactics mid-game.
Goal Threat: With 15 goals for Milan last season, he can ease the scoring burden on Erling Haaland, much like Ilkay Gundogan did during City’s treble-winning 2022-23 season.
Ball-Carrying: His 1.5 dribbles per game and ability to break lines make him a nightmare for defenders. City’s director of football, Hugo Viana, praised his “energy, composure, and creativity.”
Work Rate: Reijnders averages 4.2 recoveries per game, showing his defensive commitment, crucial for City’s high-pressing style.

Rico Lewis, a City teammate, raved about Reijnders’ performances for the Netherlands at Euro 2024, saying he “kept catching my eye.” This endorsement highlights his potential to transform City’s midfield.

[](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/tijjani-reijnders-trait-could-help-31857225)

The Club World Cup Debut: A New Chapter Begins

Reijnders’ Manchester City debut came on June 18, 2025, against Wydad AC in the FIFA Club World Cup opener in Philadelphia. Named in the starting XI alongside Rayan Cherki, he played in a 4-1-4-1 formation, anchoring the midfield with Rodri. Fans were eager to see how he’d adapt to Guardiola’s system, and early reports suggest he impressed with his composure and forward runs.

[](https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/45538273/man-city-hand-debuts-rayan-cherki-tijjani-reijnders-cwc-opener)[](https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-city/club-world-cup/news/man-city-confirmed-xi-cherki-reijnders-ait-nouri-decisions-made-for-wydad-ac-clash_575767.html)

City’s trophyless 2024-25 season put pressure on Reijnders to deliver, and he’s embraced it. “City is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and you have to win prizes,” he said. The Club World Cup, with tough opponents like Juventus in the group stage, is his chance to prove he belongs.

[](https://www.outlookindia.com/sports/football/tijjani-reijnders-manchester-city-silverware-pressure)[](https://sempremilan.com/reijnders-improvements-milan-helped-place-city)

Check out our Club World Cup 2025 preview for insights on City’s campaign.

Challenges Ahead for Tijjani Reijnders

Despite his talent, Reijnders faces hurdles at Manchester City:

High Expectations: City’s fans and board demand trophies, especially after last season’s third-place Premier League finish. Reijnders feels this pressure already.
Adaptation: Moving from Serie A to the Premier League’s intensity is a challenge. He’ll need to adjust quickly to compete with rivals like Arsenal and Liverpool.
Competition: With Rodri, Foden, and new signing Rayan Cherki in the squad, securing a regular starting spot will be tough.
De Bruyne’s Shadow: Though Reijnders insists he’s not replacing Kevin De Bruyne, comparisons are inevitable. He’s studied De Bruyne’s clips but wants to carve his own path.

His early impression off the pitch has been positive, with club staff praising his professionalism. This bodes well for his integration into City’s culture.

[](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/revealed-manchester-city-thinking-tijjani-183000159.html)

What Fans Are Saying About Tijjani Reijnders

On X, fans are buzzing about Reijnders’ move to Manchester City. Posts highlight his Euro 2024 performances and his €70 million transfer, with many calling him the “Gundogan replacement” City needed. One user wrote, “Reijnders provides what City lacked since the treble—control and goals from midfield.” Others praised his 95% pass accuracy and chance creation in recent games.

[](https://x.com/InvertTheWing/status/1930226486994182651)[](https://x.com/City_Xtra/status/1931448417177497614)

However, some fans are skeptical, pointing to his modest four goals in his first Milan season. They wonder if he can handle the Premier League’s pace. Despite this, the consensus is excitement, with fans eager to see him link up with Haaland and Foden.

[](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-14817491/Man-City-signing-Tijjani-Reijnders-looking-follow-footsteps-Ilkay-Gundogan-bring-goals-midfield-ahead-debut-Club-World-Cup.html)

Lessons From Reijnders’ Journey

Tijjani Reijnders’ rise offers valuable lessons for aspiring footballers and fans:

Embrace Versatility: His ability to play multiple midfield roles made him a top target for City. Flexibility opens doors.
Seize Opportunities: His standout 2024-25 season at Milan earned him a dream move. Consistent performances matter.
Learn From the Best: Reijnders studied De Bruyne and Gundogan to improve his game, showing the value of learning from role models.

His journey from a small Dutch club to the Etihad is a testament to hard work and ambition. Explore our blog on inspiring football stories for more tales like this.

The Road Ahead: Can Reijnders Lead City to Glory?

As Manchester City chase silverware in the Club World Cup and Premier League, Tijjani Reijnders is at the heart of their plans. His debut against Wydad AC is just the start. With upcoming matches against Juventus and a packed Premier League schedule, he’ll have plenty of chances to prove his worth.

Reijnders’ five-year contract shows City’s long-term faith in him. If he can replicate his Milan form—15 goals, 5 assists—and adapt to Guardiola’s tactics, he could become a fan favorite. His excitement to work with Pep and play alongside world-class talents like Rodri and Haaland suggests he’s ready for the challenge.

[](https://www.sabcsport.com/soccer/news/man-city-sign-netherlands-international-midfielder-tijjani-reijnders-from-ac-milan)

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Conclusion: Tijjani Reijnders, City’s Next Big Thing?

Tijjani Reijnders is more than a new signing—he’s a symbol of Manchester City’s ambition to reclaim their dominance. His versatility, goal-scoring ability, and work rate make him a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola’s system. While challenges like Premier League intensity and high expectations await, his early performances and fan support suggest he’s up for it.

What do you think? Will Reijnders become a City legend like Gundogan, or does he have more to prove? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s cheer for this Dutch dynamo as he begins his Etihad journey!

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