Report: Man City agree £46m deal as midfield rebuild gathers pace | OneFootball

Manchester City Agree Deal to Sign Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan

Premier League champions Manchester City have reached an agreement with AC Milan to sign Netherlands international Tijjani Reijnders in a deal worth £46.3 million (€55m).

The 26-year-old midfielder, according to Sky Sports, is expected to undergo a medical on Sunday before completing a five-year deal at the Etihad Stadium. Reijnders will become City’s first major signing of the summer, arriving as a direct response to the departure of Kevin De Bruyne, who leaves a significant creative void in Pep Guardiola’s midfield.

Reijnders: Milan’s Lone Spark in a Bleak Campaign

Reijnders was a standout performer in an underwhelming season for AC Milan, who slumped to an eighth-place finish in Serie A—missing out on European qualification. Despite the club’s struggles, the Dutchman thrived individually, leading all midfielders in Serie A for combined goals and assists. He netted 15 times during the 2024–25 season, underlining his effectiveness in the final third.

Signed from AZ Alkmaar in the summer of 2023, Reijnders adapted swiftly to life in Italy and quickly became one of Milan’s most influential players. His dynamic ball progression, intelligent positioning, and end-product have made him a sought-after figure across Europe.

For Guardiola, the move brings in a creative and tactically versatile midfielder at the peak of his powers. Reijnders is seen as an ideal fit for City’s positional play and could slot into various roles across the central line.

City Still Active: Cherki and Aït-Nouri Remain Top Targets

Manchester City are not done yet. With the Club World Cup in the United States fast approaching, the club are working to reinforce further. Rayan Cherki and Rayan Aït-Nouri remain key priorities for the summer window.

Cherki, the mercurial Lyon playmaker, produced a sensational return of 12 goals and 20 assists in 44 appearances this season. At just 21, the Frenchman is viewed as a long-term solution for the No. 10 role, and City’s interest underlines their intention to evolve creatively following De Bruyne’s exit.

Aït-Nouri, meanwhile, has impressed at Wolves and is expected to cost in the region of £50m. The Algeria international—currently with the national team ahead of friendlies on Thursday and Tuesday—offers both defensive solidity and attacking thrust from the left-back slot, an area City are actively looking to upgrade.

The early registration window for the Club World Cup closes on Tuesday, 10 June, although teams can register new players again during the tournament from 27 June to 3 July.

What This Means for City’s Summer

This window marks a significant refresh for Guardiola’s squad. The club are pursuing quality over quantity, with an emphasis on positional versatility and futureproofing. Reijnders’ arrival signals City’s intent to maintain dominance domestically and abroad, even amid key departures.

With Cherki and Aït-Nouri also on the radar, City’s transfer strategy reflects a blend of immediacy for the Club World Cup and longer-term squad evolution.