Manchester City have reached a €61 million agreement with Al Qadisiah for Tijjani Reijnders, who has already approved the move to Saudi Arabia.
Manchester City Reach €61 Million Agreement With Al Qadisiah for Tijjani Reijnders
Manchester City and Saudi Arabian club Al Qadisiah have reached a verbal agreement for the transfer of Tijjani Reijnders, with the deal expected to be completed for around €61 million. According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, the Netherlands international has already approved the move and the 2 clubs are now exchanging the necessary documents before the transfer can be formally completed. Reijnders did not take part in Manchester City training on Thursday, another indication that his departure is approaching, and he is currently waiting for permission to travel to the Middle East to complete the final stages of the move.
The agreement brings a rapid conclusion to a transfer situation that had started to attract increasing attention. Reijnders had also been linked with Nottingham Forest, but Al Qadisiah have moved decisively and appear to have won the race for the 28-year-old midfielder. The fact that the player has already given his approval removes one of the main potential obstacles, leaving the clubs to complete the administrative side of the operation. Unless there is an unexpected issue with the paperwork or medical process, Reijnders now appears set to leave English football and begin the next stage of his career in Saudi Arabia.
Reijnders Prepares to Leave Manchester City
Reijnders has been in England since the 2024/25 season and leaves Manchester City after making 50 appearances and scoring 7 goals. His time at the Etihad was relatively short compared with some of the club's longer-serving midfielders, but he still accumulated significant experience in one of the most competitive squads in European football. His technical ability and comfort in possession made him a useful option in midfield, while his willingness to move forward and contribute around the opposition penalty area gave City another way of progressing the ball through central areas.
The reported €61 million transfer fee represents a substantial investment from Al Qadisiah and also provides Manchester City with a significant return on a player who is now 28. From City's perspective, the agreement gives the club financial flexibility while also creating space within the midfield department ahead of the new season. Reijnders' absence from Thursday's training session suggests the process has already moved beyond initial discussions, with all parties now working towards completing the transfer rather than negotiating whether it should happen at all.
Al Qadisiah Beat Competition for the Dutch Midfielder
Nottingham Forest had also been mentioned as a possible destination for Reijnders, which would have allowed him to remain in the Premier League, but the midfielder has instead chosen the Saudi option. Al Qadisiah's willingness to reach an agreement worth €61 million appears to have accelerated the process, and the club now only needs to complete the remaining formalities before officially announcing the signing. Reijnders' approval is particularly important because high-value transfers can often stall even after clubs agree a fee if the player is not convinced by the sporting or contractual project. In this case, however, that part of the process appears to have already been resolved.
The move will give Reijnders a very different challenge after spells in the Netherlands, Italy and England. He has built his career gradually rather than making an immediate jump to one of Europe's biggest clubs, and his progression has taken him through several different leagues and tactical environments. Moving to Saudi Arabia will represent another major change, both professionally and personally, but the size of the transfer suggests Al Qadisiah intend to make him an important part of their midfield rather than simply adding another experienced European player to the squad.
A Career Built Across the Netherlands, Italy and England
Before arriving at Manchester City, Reijnders had already developed a strong reputation through spells with AC Milan, AZ Alkmaar, RKC Waalwijk and PEC Zwolle. His performances in Dutch football helped him earn the move to Milan, where he gained experience at another major European club before eventually continuing his career in the Premier League. Each stage brought different demands, from the technical and tactical emphasis of Serie A to the intensity and pace of English football, and that experience has helped him become an established Netherlands international.
His ability to adapt to different environments is one of the qualities Al Qadisiah will expect him to bring to Saudi Arabia. At 28, Reijnders arrives with a considerable amount of senior experience while still being at an age where he can contribute over several seasons. The transfer fee also indicates that the Saudi club are not viewing the move as a short-term solution. Paying €61 million for a midfielder of his age represents a serious commitment, and the expectation will be that he becomes one of the central figures in the team's sporting project.
Final Formalities Now Separate Reijnders From Saudi Move
For now, the transfer is not yet officially complete, but the most important parts of the agreement appear to be in place. Manchester City and Al Qadisiah have reached a verbal understanding, Reijnders has accepted the move and the clubs are exchanging documents. The Dutchman is waiting for permission to travel to the Middle East, where the remaining formalities are expected to take place before the transfer can be announced.
If everything proceeds as expected, Reijnders will leave Manchester City after 50 appearances and 7 goals and begin a new chapter in Saudi Arabia. Al Qadisiah will secure an experienced international midfielder with previous spells in the Premier League, Serie A and the Eredivisie, while City will complete a €61 million sale ahead of the new campaign. With the player's approval already secured and the paperwork now being finalised, the deal appears to be entering its final stage.
