Tijjani Reijnders Leaves Manchester City for Al-Qadsiah
Tijjani Reijnders has completed a £52 million transfer from Manchester City to Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah, bringing the Netherlands midfielder's short spell at the Etihad Stadium to an end after just one season.
- Tijjani Reijnders Leaves Manchester City for Al-Qadsiah
- Reijnders' Manchester City Record
- Why Did Reijnders Leave Manchester City?
- Reijnders Thanks Manchester City Fans
- Reijnders' 2026 World Cup Campaign
- Five-Year Al-Qadsiah Contract
- Manchester City's Midfield Undergoes Major Rebuild
- What Does Reijnders' Transfer Mean for Al-Qadsiah?
- A New Chapter for Tijjani Reijnders
The 28-year-old joined Manchester City from AC Milan for a reported £46.5m in June 2025, signing a five-year contract after an impressive final campaign in Serie A. However, Reijnders struggled to establish himself as a regular starter during his only season in England.
Manchester City officially confirmed the transfer on Wednesday, 19 August 2026, with Reijnders moving permanently to Al-Qadsiah in a deal worth around £52m.
The transfer means City have recouped more than they paid for the Netherlands international just 14 months ago, while Reijnders begins a new chapter in the Saudi Pro League under former Liverpool, Celtic and Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers.
Reijnders' Manchester City Record
Reijnders made 50 appearances in all competitions for Manchester City, scoring seven goals and contributing to a trophy-winning campaign.
Despite finding it difficult to nail down a regular starting position, the midfielder was part of the City squad that won both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup during Pep Guardiola's final season as manager.
His time at Manchester City was ultimately much shorter than expected when he arrived from AC Milan.
Tijjani Reijnders Manchester City Statistics
| Statistic | Manchester City |
|---|---|
| Transfer from AC Milan | £46.5m |
| Time at club | 2025–2026 |
| Appearances | 50 |
| Goals | 7 |
| Major trophies | FA Cup, Carabao Cup |
| Transfer to Al-Qadsiah | £52m |
Reijnders' departure also represents a significant change in Manchester City's midfield, with the club undergoing a major rebuild following the end of Guardiola's long reign.
Why Did Reijnders Leave Manchester City?
Reijnders' departure comes after he struggled to secure a consistent place in Manchester City's starting XI.
The Dutch midfielder started only around half of City's Premier League matches and fell further down the midfield pecking order during the latter stages of the season.
New Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca subsequently left Reijnders out of the squad for the Community Shield defeat by Arsenal.
Maresca indicated that the situation had become one where the player, manager and club all felt a move was the right decision.
The decision brings an unexpectedly early end to Reijnders' Manchester City career.
Reijnders Thanks Manchester City Fans
Following confirmation of his transfer to Al-Qadsiah, Reijnders paid tribute to Manchester City and the supporters.
The Netherlands international said he had been "incredibly privileged" to play for the club and thanked the players, coaches, staff and supporters for making him and his family feel welcome.
His departure comes only a little over a year after he arrived at the Etihad Stadium from AC Milan.
Reijnders' 2026 World Cup Campaign
Reijnders was also part of the Netherlands squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
He started all three of the Netherlands' group-stage matches as the Dutch progressed to the knockout stages.
However, he was an unused substitute when the Netherlands were eliminated by Morocco in the last 32 following a penalty shootout.
The move to Al-Qadsiah therefore follows a disappointing end to both his Manchester City and World Cup campaigns.
Five-Year Al-Qadsiah Contract
Reijnders has reportedly agreed a five-year contract with Al-Qadsiah.
The Saudi club finished fourth in the Saudi Pro League last season and is managed by Brendan Rodgers, who took charge in December 2025. Rodgers previously managed Liverpool, Celtic and Leicester City and has been tasked with building Al-Qadsiah into a competitive force in Saudi football.
Reijnders now becomes one of the latest high-profile European-based players to move to the Saudi Pro League.
The £52m transfer also represents a significant investment by Al-Qadsiah, with the club paying more than Manchester City originally spent to sign the midfielder from AC Milan.
Manchester City's Midfield Undergoes Major Rebuild
Reijnders is the latest midfielder to leave Manchester City during a dramatic summer of change.
Rodri has completed a move to Barcelona, while Bernardo Silva left City when his contract expired before signing for Real Madrid as a free agent. Rodri's Barcelona transfer was reported at €60m plus potential add-ons.
City have already invested heavily in their midfield, including the signing of England international Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116m.
The club are also continuing to reshape the position, with Ayyoub Bouaddi of Lille among the players linked with a move to the Etihad.
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández has also been a reported target, although Chelsea's £120m valuation has made a deal difficult.
The departure of Reijnders therefore forms part of a much wider midfield overhaul under Maresca.
What Does Reijnders' Transfer Mean for Al-Qadsiah?
For Al-Qadsiah, signing Reijnders represents another statement of ambition.
The Dutch midfielder brings experience of Serie A, the Premier League and international football, as well as Champions League experience from his time with AC Milan and Manchester City.
His ability to operate as a technically gifted central midfielder should make him an important component of Rodgers' plans as Al-Qadsiah look to challenge the established Saudi Pro League powers.
Rodgers has previously spoken about his excitement at competing in an increasingly competitive Saudi league and highlighted the quality of players and coaches arriving in the competition.
Tijjani Reijnders Transfer: Key Facts
- Player: Tijjani Reijnders
- Age: 28
- Nationality: Netherlands
- Previous club: Manchester City
- New club: Al-Qadsiah
- Previous club before City: AC Milan
- Manchester City transfer fee: £46.5m
- Al-Qadsiah transfer fee: £52m
- Manchester City appearances: 50
- Manchester City goals: 7
- Reported Al-Qadsiah contract: Five years
- Al-Qadsiah manager: Brendan Rodgers
- Transfer date: 19 August 2026
A New Chapter for Tijjani Reijnders
Tijjani Reijnders' Manchester City career has ended almost as quickly as it began.
Signed for £46.5m after an outstanding campaign with AC Milan, the Netherlands midfielder was expected to become an important part of City's midfield for years to come. Instead, after 50 appearances, seven goals and two domestic trophies, he has moved to Saudi Arabia for £52m.
The transfer gives Reijnders the opportunity for a fresh start at Al-Qadsiah, while Manchester City continue a major rebuild under new manager Enzo Maresca.
With Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Reijnders all departing during the same summer, City's midfield will look markedly different when the new Premier League season gets underway.
For Al-Qadsiah and Brendan Rodgers, meanwhile, the arrival of a 28-year-old Netherlands international represents one of the club's biggest signings yet and another indication of the Saudi Pro League's growing ambitions.