BREAKING: Tijjani Reijnders Agrees Personal Terms with Manchester City – Pep’s New Midfield Maestro?

Manchester City have taken a major step in strengthening their midfield for next season by agreeing personal terms with Tijjani Reijnders, the dynamic Dutch international currently at AC Milan.

Despite firm interest from Real Madrid, Reijnders has chosen to pursue what he reportedly sees as a “dream move” to work under Pep Guardiola, with City now preparing to submit their first official bid to the Italian giants.

Why Reijnders?

At 25, Tijjani Reijnders has quietly become one of Europe’s most well-rounded midfielders. Known for his crisp passing, high work rate, and composure under pressure, he was a standout performer for Milan throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

With Ilkay Gündogan long gone and Mateo Kovačić struggling for consistency, City have been actively scouting for a player who could compliment Rodri in midfield. Guardiola reportedly believes Reijnders is the perfect fit — tactically intelligent, technically sharp, and ready for the Premier League stage.

The Deal Structure

While AC Milan are demanding around €65 million, sources suggest a deal could be closed for closer to €50 million plus bonuses. City are expected to make their first formal approach later this week, and talks between the clubs are progressing positively.

• Agreed terms: Personal terms with Man City finalized

• Fee: Expected ~€50M + performance bonuses

• Contract length: Likely a 5-year deal (pending confirmation)

Pep’s Vision: The Reijnders-Rodri Engine Room

In Guardiola’s mind, Reijnders is more than just a signing — he’s potentially the final piece in City’s midfield puzzle.

After a demanding 2024/25 season that saw City narrowly miss out on the Premier League title, the manager is aiming to refresh the squad with players who are both technically gifted and tactically disciplined.

Pairing Reijnders with Rodri could offer the perfect balance:

• Rodri as the defensive anchor and tempo-setter

• Reijnders as the progressive link, carrying the ball and connecting play through the thirds

Expect City’s midfield to evolve — possibly into a double pivot or more fluid 3-man setup — as Guardiola adapts to keep the edge over rivals like Arsenal and Liverpool.

Madrid Miss Out

Real Madrid were reportedly interested in bringing Reijnders to the Bernabéu as part of their midfield succession plan alongside Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga. But the Dutchman’s desire to play under Guardiola proved decisive.

His camp has made it clear: this is a move motivated by footballing vision, not just money.

What’s Next?

• City’s opening bid to Milan expected this week

• Medical and official unveiling could follow by early June

• City continue to assess other targets as they reshape for 2025/26

With Reijnders’ arrival now on the horizon, Manchester City are quietly assembling another title-challenging squad, built not just on stars, but on system players who elevate the collective.

Watch this space — Reijnders may just be the next great Pep Guardiola project.