Tijjani Reijnders offers behind-the-scenes insight into Manchester City’s work to sign him from AC Milan | OneFootball

Manchester City’s process to sign Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan this summer dates back to the end of last season, according to the player himself.

The Netherlands international was viewed as a priority transfer target for Etihad Stadium officials after the conclusion of the last campaign, with an evident need for new energy and creativity in the middle of the park.

Reijnders arrival is likely to also permit Manchester City to phase out some of their more senior players either this summer or during the main transfer window of 2026, with Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva approaching the end of their time at the club.

Joining Tijjani Reijnders in the middle of the park during the transfer market was also Rayan Cherki, who is likely to adopt a more advanced creative role and perhaps the position vacated by Kevin De Bruyne last week when the Belgian joined Napoli on a free transfer.

Now, speaking to reporters from Manchester City’s training base in the United States this week, ahead of the opening clash at the FIFA Club World Cup, Reijnders has offered valuable insight into how his move to the Etihad Stadium came about.

“They contacted my father near the end of the season looking for a number 8 and for me it was not a big doubt if I wanted to join Manchester City – one of the biggest clubs in the world right now,” the Dutch international revealed.

“The choice in the end was easy to make,” he added. “Of course Milan will always be in my heart, two really good seasons there, met very nice people, but you have to also look at the sportive way.

“And I want to reach some goals in my career and I think I can reach those here quickly.”

Another significant factor in players joining Manchester City is the opportunity to work alongside manager Pep Guardiola, of which Tijjani Reijnders admitted, “That’s also a big thing, of course.”

The 26-year-old continued, “The best coach in the world and I am very eager to learn new things here and style of playing, and that’s what I’m very looking forward to.”

Tijjani Reijnders, alongside his other new arrivals at the Etihad Stadium, could make their Manchester City debut as soon as this week as Pep Guardiola and his side take on Wydad AC in their group stage opener at the FIFA Club World Cup.