Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders is set to leave the Etihad after agreeing a reported £52m move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah, in what could become one of the more surprising exits of the summer transfer window. The Netherlands international only arrived from AC Milan in June 2025, but City are now preparing to turn a relatively brief chapter into a sizeable financial return. Recent reports say personal terms have been agreed and the Saudi club is moving toward completing the deal.
From Premier League Dream to Saudi Exit: What Happened to Reijnders?
Reijnders arrived at Manchester City after an outstanding 2024-25 season with AC Milan, where he was named Serie A’s Best Midfielder and scored 15 goals in 54 matches. City signed him on a five-year contract, with the club describing him as an energetic midfielder capable of contributing in both attacking and defensive roles.
His first season in England initially looked promising, but his involvement reportedly diminished during the second half of the campaign. Recent reporting says the 28-year-old started only five Premier League matches in the latter part of the season, despite making 50 appearances overall and contributing seven goals and eight assists. Apparently, Manchester City’s midfield now operates under the transfer-window rule that nobody is allowed to get too comfortable.
£52m Saudi Move: City Turn Reijnders’ Short Stay Into a Profit
The proposed £52m move to Al-Qadsiah arrives as City undergo a significant midfield reshuffle under new manager Enzo Maresca. The club have already invested heavily in Elliot Anderson, reportedly paying a club-record £116m, while they are also considering further midfield changes amid uncertainty surrounding Rodri. The sale of Reijnders would therefore provide City with another sizeable pot of money just as the club considers its next move.
For Reijnders, the Saudi move represents a dramatic change from the Premier League dream he spoke about when joining City. He previously described playing in England’s top flight as a childhood ambition, but football careers occasionally have the irritating habit of changing direction before the five-year contract has even had time to settle into the filing cabinet.
The reported £52m agreement would mean Reijnders could leave City after just one season, with Al-Qadsiah apparently ready to make him one of the latest high-profile additions to Saudi football. For Manchester City, it is another piece in an increasingly complicated midfield puzzle; for Reijnders, it could be the beginning of a lucrative new chapter. The deal is being reported as imminent rather than officially completed, so FLF OGM News FC will be watching for the final confirmation and any late twist before the transfer window closes.
