Al-Qadsiah are edging closer to a deal for Tijjani Reijnders, with Manchester City open to a sale worth around €60m. Talks between the two clubs have progressed quickly, and optimism is building that this transfer gets done.
Advanced Talks Gather Pace
City and the Saudi Pro League side have reportedly reached a club-to-club agreement, leaving the final decision in Reijnders' hands. That detail matters. Money alone doesn't seal moves like this; the player still has to sign off.
Al-Qadsiah view Reijnders as a genuine coup. They see a midfielder entering his peak years, someone capable of anchoring their ambitions in Saudi Arabia. Strengthening centrally has become a clear priority for the club, and few names on the market carry Reijnders' pedigree.
The Dutchman joined City from AC Milan only last summer, arriving off the back of being named Serie A's best midfielder. His first season in England brought seven goals and eight assists across 50 appearances, solid output for a debut campaign. Still, his role fluctuated as the year progressed, and he gradually found himself competing harder for minutes.
That shift in circumstance may explain City's willingness to negotiate. Enzo Maresca now has considerable depth through the middle, with Elliot Anderson, Nico Gonzalez, and Mateo Kovacic among those vying for spots. Losing Reijnders wouldn't gut the squad; it would simply reshape it.
Reijnders, meanwhile, is said to be weighing his options carefully. Interest from Nottingham Forest lingers in the background, though nothing there appears close to matching Al-Qadsiah's financial package. Moving to Saudi Arabia represents a major lifestyle shift too, one he clearly wants to consider properly before committing.
Whatever he decides, the transfer window's midfield reshuffle continues gathering pace. City have already navigated separate talks involving Rodri this summer, and Reijnders' situation adds another layer to their evolving squad plans.
Where Things Stand Now
Expect movement soon. Sources close to the negotiations describe genuine optimism that this deal reaches completion, barring a late change of heart from the player himself. Al-Qadsiah, for their part, appear ready to finalise quickly once green light arrives.
Nothing is signed yet, though the mood around both camps suggests confidence rather than doubt. Additional detail on the negotiations was also reported by Goal, who first outlined the fee structure involved.
For now, all eyes remain on Reijnders. His answer will shape City's midfield heading into the new season.