Manchester City have announced the £46.3 million signing of Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan, marking their fourth major transfer this week as they rebuild after a disappointing season.
The 26-year-old Netherlands international signed a five-year deal and could debut in the Club World Cup starting June 14 in the United States. This follows City’s acquisitions of Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, Chelsea goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli, and Wolves defender Rayan Ait-Nouri for a combined £108 million.
“I’m ecstatic to join City – one of the world’s biggest clubs with the best coach,” Reijnders said. “I want to help continue their success.” The midfielder scored 15 goals last season for Milan despite their eighth-place Serie A finish.
City’s football director Hugo Viana praised Reijnders’ “top-level European experience” and midfield creativity, while chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak admitted the club should have strengthened earlier after finishing third in the Premier League and exiting the Champions League prematurely.
Pep Guardiola’s squad begins their Club World Cup defense against Wydad Casablanca on June 18 in Philadelphia. FIFA opened a special transfer window for participating clubs, which closed Tuesday before reopening June 16.
