Manchester City ‘considering’ £42m bid to sign AC Milan star | OneFootball

Man City Weigh Move for Reijnders as Guardiola Eyes Midfield Overhaul

Dutch Midfielder Attracts Premier League Giants After Milan Breakthrough

Manchester City are reportedly considering a major summer bid for AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, according to Calcio Mercato. The Dutch international has enjoyed a breakout season at San Siro and is now firmly on Pep Guardiola’s radar as the City boss looks to reshape his midfield options.

Reijnders, signed from AZ Alkmaar in 2023 for €20 million, has quickly established himself as one of Milan’s most reliable performers in a season marked by inconsistency. Under Paulo Fonseca, he has been deployed in a more advanced role, allowing his attacking instincts and vertical style of play to shine.

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“He plays vertically, lifts his head and sees the goal as the final destination,” Calcio Mercato writes. Reijnders has already scored 13 goals this campaign, making him the second-highest scorer at the club behind Christian Pulisic — a remarkable statistic for a midfielder whose role was more reserved under previous management.

Madrid Praise, City Priority

Reijnders’ stunning goal in Milan’s 3–1 victory over Real Madrid at the Bernabéu last November caught the attention of Europe’s elite. While Real are admirers, it is Manchester City who appear most serious about launching a move. Guardiola is said to believe Reijnders’ technical profile and vision are “perfect for his style of football”.

City are reportedly preparing a bid in the region of €50m to €60m, which would represent a significant profit for Milan, but also pose a tough decision for the Rossoneri — especially if they fail to qualify for the Champions League next season.

Contract Commitment May Not Be Enough

Milan moved swiftly to extend Reijnders’ contract until 2030, with a wage increase to €3.5m net per season. It was a statement of intent, one widely interpreted as: “You’re not going anywhere, stay and help us rebuild.” But as Calcio Mercato speculates, “Will that really hold without Champions League qualification?”

The player himself is understood to remain committed but curious. He showed trust in Milan during a difficult period, but will now want reassurances about the future direction of the club — and his place within it.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Tijjani Reijnders is the type of player who fits Guardiola’s vision like a glove — technically gifted, positionally intelligent, and always thinking forward. At just 25, he’s already shown a level of maturity and consistency that would complement City’s evolving midfield.

With Ilkay Gündoğan and Kevin De Bruyne ageing and dealing with fitness issues, and the need to manage game load across multiple competitions, a player like Reijnders could be vital. He’s not just depth — he’s someone who could eventually command a starting role.

What’s most appealing is his adaptability. He’s been moulded into a more attacking threat at Milan but has also shown the discipline to function deeper when needed. Guardiola has always valued midfielders who can interpret different phases of play — and Reijnders seems to offer that in abundance.

The reported €60m fee isn’t cheap, but in today’s market, it feels like a justifiable investment for a player with Champions League calibre and a ceiling that’s still rising. If City pull this off, it won’t just be smart — it’ll be strategic.