David Ornstein: Man City interested in Milan midfielder ahead of summer rebuild | OneFootball

Manchester City Eye Tijjani Reijnders Amid Midfield Revamp

Midfield Overhaul Begins with Dutch International

Manchester City’s next great evolution may already be in motion. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, the Premier League champions have made contact with AC Milan to express their interest in Tijjani Reijnders. It’s a move that whispers of transition as much as ambition.

City’s pursuit of the Dutch midfielder remains in its early stages. No formal offer has yet been submitted, with Milan’s focus squarely on the Coppa Italia final against Bologna. But there is belief within the corridors of the Etihad that once conversations resume, a deal could be struck.

Reijnders is no passing fancy. At 26, he’s entering his prime and represents a blend of technical precision, stamina, and strategic positioning that fits City’s No.8 profile to perfection. In 51 appearances this season, he’s delivered 15 goals and five assists, contributing both artistry and intensity to Milan’s engine room.

Beyond De Bruyne and Silva

With Kevin De Bruyne’s exit confirmed and Bernardo Silva rumoured to be heading for pastures new, City’s midfield is on the brink of renewal. Reijnders, capped 22 times by the Netherlands and a semi-finalist at Euro 2024, could be central to that transformation.

It’s worth noting that despite signing a new contract with Milan until 2030 earlier this year, the player’s trajectory may still take him towards Manchester. In modern football, long-term deals often act more as leverage than as barriers.

Photo IMAGO

Pep Guardiola’s side is also gradually preparing for life after Rodri. Though the Spaniard is due to return from an ACL injury, City have already added Nico Gonzalez from Porto in the winter window. Reijnders’ addition would further cement their depth and signal a shift in tactical flexibility.

Vision of Hugo Viana Begins to Take Shape

This summer will be the first under City’s new director of football, Hugo Viana, who officially began in April. His presence marks a new chapter in recruitment strategy. Targets like Reijnders are emblematic of a smarter, leaner City—one seeking to trim its wage bill without compromising technical standards.

Reijnders’ development at AZ Alkmaar, followed by 101 appearances in Milan colours, has primed him for the elite level. He’s experienced enough to slot into Guardiola’s system, yet adaptable enough to evolve under it.

Milan’s Position May Shift After Coppa Italia

While Milan’s league form has been indifferent—eighth in Serie A and now under Sergio Conceicao—they’ve found success in domestic cups, lifting the Supercoppa Italiana in January. A Coppa Italia win might slightly strengthen their negotiating position, but City’s intent is clear.

This is a club that rarely approaches a target without a plan in place. With Reijnders, they see more than potential—they see someone ready to contribute now.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

If this move happens, it feels like one of those clever City transfers that doesn’t dominate the headlines but ends up being vital by February. Reijnders isn’t a marquee name like Wirtz or even Gibbs-White, but what he offers—energy, decision-making under pressure, positional intelligence—feels perfect for Guardiola’s evolving system.

With KDB moving on and Bernardo Silva potentially following, there’s a vacuum in both leadership and creativity. Reijnders may not immediately fill those boots in terms of stardust, but he offers balance. His goal contributions this season show he has end product, and his experience in both European and international competitions gives him the mentality City look for.

What excites most fans is that this isn’t a reactive signing. It’s proactive. Reijnders would give us the option to rotate effectively, keep Rodri fresher post-injury, and even help in games where physicality and tempo are crucial. If we can get this done quickly, it shows the club is serious about refreshing the squad without disrupting its identity.