Tijjani Reijnders has finally sealed a much-awaited move to Manchester City.
Reijnders was keen to join Manchester City in time to play at the FIFA Club World Cup and his wish has been granted.
The Dutchman has made his move to the Etihad Stadium off the back of his best season at AC Milan, scoring 15 goals in all competitions for a Rossoneri side that finished eighth in Serie A.
Reijnders’ £48 million move to Manchester City seems likely to be a success but as is the case with any transfer, there will be some winners and losers in the squad solely due to his addition.
Man City’s winners as Tijjani Reijnders seals move
Rodri
Rodri has every reason to be looking forward to playing with Tijjani Reijnders at City.
Firstly, the 26-year-old could lessen the physical burden on the Spaniard next season upon his return from an ACL injury as he possesses the engine and the stature to emerge as a strong defensive presence.
In the 2023/2024 season when Rodri was arguably Manchester City’s best player, it seemed like he was tasked to execute virtually every function in the middle of the park; defending, dictating the tempo of the game, carrying the ball up the pitch and creating chances.
But considering how well-rounded Reijnders is from both offensive and defensive standpoints, he could make the Ballon d’Or winner’s life much easier when the pair play in tandem at Manchester City.
Phil Foden
Phil Foden is the type of player who thrives when he is fed the ball in advanced areas of the pitch.
But last season, City were not as typically expansive with their passing, perhaps due to missing Rodri and other players often just keeping things ticking along.
But Foden could enjoy playing alongside Reijnders, who is an expert at threading the ball through to the final third, which could allow the former to wreak havoc further up the pitch with his eye for goal and ability to ghost past players on the half-turn.
Rayan Cherki looks set to join Manchester City and considering he is a number 10 just like the Englishman, the 21-year-old would also be expecting the former AC Milan midfielder to break the lines before he weaves his magic.
Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland could also benefit from playing alongside the Serie A Midfielder of the Year.
Haaland seems excited to play alongside Cherki, who could create chances at will for him while Reijnders’ constant late runs into the box might provide the Norwegian the space to put such opportunities away.
Man City’s losers as Reijnders completes move
Ilkay Gundogan
While Ilkay Gundogan is not quite a spent force, it looks like he is past his best nowadays.
Considering Manchester City view Reijnders as Gundogan’s successor, the German could very well play infrequently next season.
While the City new-boy still has plenty of work to do to become as well-rounded a player as the six-time Premier League winner was in his heyday, the former’s eye for goal, expansive passing range and ability to exact control on games are traits that make him a potentially younger version of the 34-year-old.
Mateo Kovacic
Mateo Kovacic could be in the same boat as Gundogan.
With Rodri set to reclaim his place as Manchester City’s starting number six and Reijnders potentially partnering him, Pep Guardiola might have no choice but to utilise Kovacic only as a squad player next season.
