Tijjani Reijnders leaves Manchester City for lucrative Al Qadsiah deal
Midfielder Tijjani Reijnders said he disliked Manchester City's evolving role for him and accepted a high-paying contract with Saudi club Al Qadsiah.
Tijjani Reijnders, 28, told reporters that Manchester City's preseason plans signaled a continued emphasis on an attacking midfield role, which did not suit his desire to play a dynamic, box-to-box position. After being granted permission to seek a transfer, he was offered a lucrative deal by Al Qadsiah, a Saudi Pro League side, estimated at roughly 100 million euros across four years. He cited discussions with Al Qadsiah coach Brendan Rodgers, who assured him of a few enjoyable years in Saudi Arabia followed by a potential return to Europe.
Reijnders also claimed the Saudi league is stronger than the Dutch Eredivisie and urged skeptics to watch it. The move comes as he prepares with the Netherlands national team for a Nations League match against Germany.
Why it matters
The transfer highlights the growing financial pull of Saudi clubs and its impact on European talent distribution.
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