Erling Haaland reacts to Tijjani Reijnders transfer update at Man City
Erling Haaland is the first of his teammates to react to the latest Tijjani Reijnders transfer update emerging from Man City.
The 26-year-old Dutchman has impressed in Italy since arriving from AZ Alkmaar two summers ago, notching 20 goals and seven assists in 106 appearances from a deep-lying midfield role.
Pep Guardiola was without his star midfielder, Rodri, for much of the 2024/25 campaign, which had a devastating impact on the Citizens’ entire season, seeing them go without silverware.
Nico Gonzalez was brought in to occupy the defensive midfield spot, only for Mateo Kovacic and Rico Lewis to be adapted for the role, and now the manager appears to be seeking a real back-up.
Football Insider understood as recently as May that Man City were closing in on a record-breaking deal for Reijnders, and a brand-new update has now emerged in the club’s quest for the player’s signature.
Man City agree Tijjani Reijnders deal
Taking to Instagram (4 June), Fabrizio Romano wrote: “HERE WE GO! Manchester City agree a deal to sign Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan.
“Package worth around 70m [€] [£58.9m] add-ons included now in place as verbal agreement was reached on Monday. Long-term deal agreed with Reijnders days ago.
“And he’s prepared to complete formal steps in the next days,” gaining a like from Haaland and Bournemouth‘s Justin Kluivert.
Pep Guardiola refuses to repeat 2024/25 campaign at the Etihad Stadium
Football Insider verdict
Despite losing just 28 per cent of their games this season, Guardiola went without silverware for the first time since his first season in England, prompting concerns over his future at the Etihad.
Guardiola felt the heat from Man City fans, especially after the 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, but a win against Fulham on the final day of the Premier League secured Champions League qualification.
Kevin De Bruyne is already set to depart, with the likes of John Stones, Jack Grealish, Ederson, Bernardo Silva, and James McAtee all possibly following him out the exit doors over the coming weeks.
City brought in several big-money signings during the winter transfer window, but with fortunes not changing in Manchester, more deals appear to be very close just days into the summer window.
Reijnders is an incredible talent, one who can support Rodri in the centre of the park, and Rayan Cherki might also be about to join Man City on a bargain deal from Lyon.
Guardiola will be in no mood to repeat the disappointments from the 2024/25 season, but with clubs all around them getting business done early, it is important for the Citizens to follow suit.