A much-maligned Manchester City midfielder is linked with a move to Spain | OneFootball

Tijjani Reijnders endured a frustrating debut season for Manchester City. At first glance, Reijnders’ stats of 7 goals and 8 assists in 47 appearances in all competitions are acceptable for a midfielder. However, too often, Reijnders drifted completely out of games, and that was disappointing to see from the Dutch international. A new report indicates that Atletico Madrid has an interest in potentially signing Tijjani Reijnders this summer. Atletico’s reported interest does pose a question: Should Manchester City sell Tijjani Reijnders this summer? There are both pros and cons to that idea.

Atletico Madrid have shown interest in signing Tijjani Reijnders this summer.

Simon Jones has reported for the Daily Mail that Atletico Madrid have shown interest in signing Tijjani Reijnders this summer. Furthermore, Jones reports that Atletico Madrid wants to check if the possibility exists of them signing the Dutch international. Reijnders joined Manchester City from AC Milan last summer for a transfer fee of £46.5 million. It is also reported by Jones that Manchester City’s next manager, Enzo Maresca, is assessing the City squad, so it remains unclear if City will be willing to sell Reijnders this summer.

There is a case both for and against Manchester City selling Tijjani Reijnders this summer.

Throughout the 2025-26 season, Tijjani Reijnders became a frustrating figure in the Manchester City squad. Too often, Reijnders drifted completely out of games. He often seemed to be struggling to deal with the physicality and pace of the Premier League. Also, given how winning duels in midfield has become vital in the Premier League, Reijnders struggled in this area of the game. However, last season was Reijnders’ first in the Premier League. He should be better for the experience next season.

In terms of why Manchester City should keep Tijjani Reijnders, goal-scoring midfielders are hard to find. The ability of Reijnders to arrive late in the box and be a goal threat is one that City do need. Especially, when City are faced with teams who employ a low defensive block. Also, Reijnders can pick open an opposing defence with a pass and that is a skill that City do need. The best attributes of Reijnders game do suit City’s style of play, he just needs to display them consistently.

However, the flaws in Reijnders’ game did see him struggle in the Premier League last season. They were mentioned above. Also, is Reijnders good enough to claim a starting role at City next season? Competition will come in a creative midfielder role for Reijnders from Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden. Also, City are in the market for a midfielder, or possibly two, this summer. Depending on who Manchester City sign this summer, Tijjani Reijnders may fall further down the pecking order at City. If this occurs, perhaps Reijnders will be surplus to requirements. That may only change if Reijnders takes a massive leap forward after a trying and frustrating debut season for Manchester City.

Final thoughts.

It isn’t a surprise to learn that Tijjani Reijnders is attracting interest from a club like Atletico Madrid ahead of the summer transfer window. Reijnders can be a quality midfielder on his day. It remains to be seen what Manchester City will do with Reijnders. There is value in City keeping him, as well as selling him. Tijjani Reijnders’ future at Manchester City may well be dictated by how Manchester City’s summer transfer window unfolds to find out where he sits in the landscape of City’s squad for next season.