Report: Manchester City star attracting multiple clubs interest after difficult season | OneFootball

Sudden downturn after bright Man City start

There was a point earlier this season when Tijjani Reijnders looked like he belonged at Man City as naturally as possession itself. His early performances hinted at a midfielder ready to thrive under Pep Guardiola, a player capable of gliding between lines and dictating tempo in a side chasing another Premier League crown.

Yet football is rarely linear. As reported by the original source Calciomercato, “after a sparkling start, the Dutch midfielder is experiencing a moment of serious difficulty,” and the shift has been abrupt. Reijnders began with a goal and an assist on his Premier League debut against Wolverhampton, quickly establishing himself as a trusted option. December, in particular, felt like a breakthrough month, with four league goals in seven matches.

Then the rhythm broke. Since February, his involvement has diminished sharply. In nine league matches, he has featured only in brief cameos totalling just over an hour. For a player who once appeared integral, the drop-off is stark and telling.

Tactical reshuffle limits Reijnders role

At Man City, form alone rarely dictates selection. Guardiola’s system evolves constantly, and Reijnders has found himself edged out by tactical recalibration rather than outright failure. The Catalan coach has leaned towards alternative profiles in midfield, favouring combinations that offer greater balance or attacking unpredictability.

Bernardo Silva has been redeployed deeper, while Rodri continues to anchor the side. Emerging options and more offensive-minded selections have shifted the structure, leaving Reijnders on the periphery. The original report notes how Guardiola has “chosen solutions that are more offensive,” introducing creative links behind Erling Haaland rather than relying on Reijnders’ hybrid role.

This is not unfamiliar territory at the Etihad. Even elite players can become situational pieces in Guardiola’s chessboard. But for Reijnders, the timing is problematic. A season that began as a platform for global recognition has turned into one of uncertainty.

Statistical drop raises questions

Numbers often tell the story more bluntly than narrative, and Reijnders’ regression is clear. Compared with his final campaign at Milan, his output has halved across key metrics.

He has played significantly fewer minutes, 1503 compared to over 3000 previously. Starts have dropped from 36 to 17. Goals and assists have also declined, while his involvement in build-up play has lessened. Shots per game, touches and chance creation have all dipped, alongside a slight fall in passing accuracy.

Even more concerning is the reduction in effectiveness during duels and dribbles. His success rate in one-on-one situations has declined, suggesting a loss of sharpness or confidence. These are not catastrophic numbers, but at Man City, marginal declines can be decisive.

The contrast with his Milan form is striking. There, he was a dynamic presence, capable of driving games forward. In Manchester, he has struggled to impose himself consistently within a more complex tactical ecosystem.

Summer transfer scenario gathers pace

Given the context, speculation about Reijnders’ future is unsurprising. According to reports referenced by Calciomercato, Man City are already considering their midfield options for the summer, including interest in Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson.

If reinforcements arrive, space in the squad tightens further. The suggestion that Reijnders could be “sacrificed in the next transfer window” reflects both sporting and financial logic. After a significant investment, the club may seek to recalibrate quickly rather than persist with uncertainty.

A return to Milan appears unlikely due to cost, but interest across Europe remains. Clubs in the Premier League and other top leagues are monitoring his situation, aware of the qualities that made him such an attractive signing in the first place.

For Reijnders, the path forward hinges on response. There is still time to reclaim a place in Guardiola’s plans, but the margin for error is slim. At a club where competition is relentless and expectations are uncompromising, even a brief dip can redefine a career trajectory.

The coming months will determine whether this is merely a difficult chapter or the beginning of a premature departure from one of Europe’s most demanding environments.