Tijjani Reijnders embracing challenge to replace Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City | OneFootball

Tijjani Reijnders is ready to take up a key role in Pep Guardiola’s squad to help Manchester City win silverware after signing from AC Milan.

The 26-year-old is a strong addition to Guardiola’s midfield after Manchester City struck a deal worth an initial £46.3 million to secure the arrival of the Italy international in time for the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup.

Reijnders was thrown straight into the starting XI against Wydad AC this week and the midfielder received huge plaudits for his eye-catching performance in the number eight position, where Manchester City have recently suffered the loss of Kevin De Bruyne.

De Bruyne has signed a two-year contract at Napoli, with the newly-crowned Serie A winners getting their hands on the Belgian for free after Manchester City decided against offering the midfielder a new deal past the expiration of his contract.

Manchester City have also added France winger Rayan Cherki to their attacking ranks to alleviate the glaring creativity hole left by De Bruyne’s departure. Cherki also started in City’s 2-0 Club World Cup opening win over Wydad AC.

The Blues have completed a major chunk of their transfer business early doors and Guardiola has already been impressed with the impact made by Reijnders, who has quickly gained popularity amongst the Manchester City fanbase.

With Cherki also determined to lead City to silverware in the seasons to come, Reijnders is relishing the challenge to get Guardiola’s side back challenging for titles after a sub-standard and uncharacteristically trophyless 2024-25 campaign.

“(Manchester) City is one of the biggest clubs in the world and if you play for a club like this then you have to win prizes,” Reijnders said, as per Rob Dawson writing for ESPN.

“It was almost a no-brainer when City came (in to sign Reijnders). An easy choice in the end. It’s important to play European football and playing for City is a dream.

“That is what I did last season with (AC) Milan, being more on the scoresheet. It’s very important to score goals as a midfielder and it’s what I’m looking for, that and assists.

“The first season at Milan I wasn’t calm in my head when I had opportunities and it was something I was thinking about in the summer after.

“I watched clips back of myself when I got into those situations and tried to adapt to those kinds of things in the second season, to be calmer in front of goal.”