Manchester City’s midfield has struggled to operate at its brilliant best for much of the 2024/2025 season so far.
Jamie Carragher pinpointed Manchester City’s issues in midfield stem from the fact that in their attempts to replace Rodri, both Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan — who are in their thirties are no longer at their athletic peak to play such a physically demanding role.
With Rodri ruled out for the season and Kevin De Bruyne as well as Phil Foden also suffering major injuries for much of the campaign, it is no coincidence that they have not looked at their best in midfield.
It could be argued that the aforementioned trio are Manchester City’s three best midfielders.
Pep Guardiola is determined to help Manchester City redeem themselves, as he revealed after his side’s shock 4-1 defeat against Sporting CP in the Champions League.
It’s safe to say Guardiola has a massive task on his hands for the remainder of the season.
Pep Guardiola spots Tijjani Reijnders as “ideal” Man City transfer
In previous campaigns, the Catalan has showcased that he can steer Manchester City to Premier League titles and other pieces of silverware in the absence of several big names.
Major injuries suffered by De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero in the 2018/2019 and 2020/2021 seasons respectively spring to mind.
As per a report by Tuttomercatoweb, Pep Guardiola feels Tijjani Reijnders would be the “ideal player” to maintain the high standards of his midfield.
Manchester City are believed not to have taken any “concrete steps” to sign Reijnders but their interest has been described as “strong.” Furthermore, the report does not specify whether City view the former AZ Alkmaar midfielder as a target in the January transfer window or the summer.
AC Milan are aware that the Dutch international is willing to extend his contract until 2030 — signing for the club for £16 million (Reuters) last summer.
Paulo Fonseca’s side are determined to agree a new deal with Reijnders and finalise the contract at the end of the season.
Reijnders stats for AC Milan this season
The 26-year-old was one of the Netherlands’ standout players at Euro 2024 as well.
Alongside Cody Gakpo, Reijnders bossed proceedings for Ronald Koeman’s side, who made an unexpected run to the semi-finals of the tournament.
This season as well, the in-form technician is having a terrific campaign and his statistics justify City’s reported interest in his signature.
| REIJNDERS STATS ALL COMPS THIS SEASON | |||
| COMPETITION | STARTS | GOALS | ASSISTS |
| SERIE A | 9/12 | 1 | 3 |
| CHAMPIONS LEAGUE | 4/4 | 3 | 0 |
Despite being a central midfielder by trade, Reijnders has been extremely productive for AC Milan.
With Foden yet to play his best football this campaign, Manchester City lack end product in their side besides Erling Haaland being the goalscoring machine he is.
Considering Reijnders can contribute in this regard while also playing in a double pivot alongside Youssouf Fofana is why Pep Guardiola may consider him as a potentially cracking signing for Manchester City.
