AC Milan expect record bid for Tijjani Reijnders | OneFootball

Man City Target Tijjani Reijnders in Midfield Overhaul

Reijnders identified as key piece in City rebuild

Manchester City have turned their attention to AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders as they set sights on reinforcing their midfield ahead of a significant summer overhaul.

With Pep Guardiola preparing for a pivotal transfer window, Reijnders, 26, has emerged as a priority target. The Dutch international, who has impressed in Serie A since arriving at Milan from AZ Alkmaar, is highly regarded within the Etihad hierarchy. Capable of operating as a traditional No. 8 or in a deeper role, his tactical flexibility fits the club’s evolving midfield blueprint.

City view Reijnders as a key figure in their transition following a disappointing campaign marked by a lack of consistency, injury disruptions, and the real possibility of missing out on Champions League qualification.

AC Milan brace for record-breaking bid

Sources close to Milan suggest the club are anticipating a formal approach once the transfer window opens. Reijnders, who has featured prominently across domestic and European competitions since joining the Rossoneri, is not expected to come cheap.

Milan value him substantially higher than the £55 million Newcastle United paid for Sandro Tonali last summer. There is growing belief in Italy that Reijnders could surpass Kaka’s long-standing record transfer from Milan to Real Madrid, which stood at £57 million.

“Reijnders has started regularly at the San Siro over the two years since arriving from AZ in his homeland, playing in the Champions League in both campaigns.”

Guardiola eyes multiple midfield reinforcements

After focusing on defence and attack during the January window, Manchester City are now targeting midfield stability. Kevin De Bruyne’s confirmed departure leaves a significant void, and while Rodri is working his way back from injury, Guardiola needs durable players capable of handling a rigorous schedule.

Ilkay Gündogan will turn 35 next season, and additional support is being sought for Mateo Kovačić and Nico González. Reijnders’ availability, experience, and physical resilience make him a strong candidate for a demanding role at the Etihad.

Guardiola recently acknowledged the need to expand his squad with players who can cope with two fixtures per week. This requirement, coupled with Reijnders’ consistent availability for Milan, positions the Dutchman as a logical fit.

Gibbs-White and Wirtz also monitored

City are casting a wide net in midfield recruitment. Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White remains on their radar due to his versatility and tactical intelligence. Signing more than one midfielder is under active consideration.

Germany’s Florian Wirtz is another name linked to City, although he operates primarily in a creative No. 10 role – a direct successor to De Bruyne’s function. The 22-year-old’s future at Bayer Leverkusen is uncertain, with Bayern Munich also vying for his signature. His representation, managed by family, reportedly holds mixed views on his next move.

Reijnders, however, stands apart as a top target for City’s core midfield structure – a player whose technical ability, stamina, and adaptability could anchor Guardiola’s next evolution.