Tijjani Reijnders reveals ‘important’ money lesson received through work at supermarket giant | OneFootball

Manchester City’s Tijjani Reijnders has looked back on his earliest days in football, and the work he put in at one of Europe’s supermarket giants.

Since arriving at the Etihad Stadium last summer, Reijnders has quickly established himself as a player trusted within Pep Guardiola’s midfield options, praised for his technical quality as well as his tactical discipline.

Manchester City’s recruitment team have often placed strong emphasis on players’ mentality as much as their footballing output and, in the case of Reijnders, viewing the Dutchman as a player capable of handling pressure and expectations at the highest level.

In a window where Manchester City showed decisive intent through major investment last summer, action has been followed up during the ongoing January market through the signings of Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi.

And Tijjani Reijnders continues to symbolise the club’s wider strategy of targeting players with strong character and long-term value, whilst also addressing the club’s tactical needs as the squad undergoes a significant rebuild.

Speaking in a new interview with The Times’ Paul Hirst, Tijjani Reijnders reflected on the ‘important’ lesson he received from his mother through working shifts at supermarket giant Aldi alongside his football development.

“I worked in Aldi for one year when I was in the PEC Zwolle academy. After training or even after a match, I had to go to the Aldi and pack the groceries,” said Reijnders.

The Netherlands international continued, “My mum wanted me to know that, at that age, it’s important to learn how to care about money and you see the different side of earning money.”

The story offers a rare insight into the foundations of Reijnders’ mentality, highlighting the humility and discipline that have carried through to his professional career, and underlining why City were confident in investing in a player seen as reliable both on and off the pitch.

As City move forward following confirmation that no further first-team signings are expected in the January window, players like Reijnders take on increased importance in maintaining consistency and leadership within the existing squad.

In the background, and with incomings likely complete for the 2025/26 season, speculation continues around potential departures such as Oscar Bobb, and interest in figures like Stefan Ortega and James Trafford.