Ben Palmer

Fri 30 May 2025 12:55, UK

Man City have suffered a setback in their pursuit of AC Milan star Tijjani Reijnders and must submit a “crazy offer” to have any chance of signing the midfielder.

The Sky Blues have been renowned for their prowess in the middle of the park since Pep Guardiola‘s arrival in 2016.

But after Ballon d’Or winner Rodri suffered an injury in a 2-2 draw with Arsenal in September 2024, the Spaniard was limited to just three appearances in the 2024/25 season.

The former Atletico Madrid man’s absence, combined with a dip in performance from stalwarts Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, and exit-linked Bernardo Silva, saw that midfield dominance crumble this season.

City attempted to solve the problem by signing Nico Gonzalez in January, but the Spaniard is yet to properly acclimate to the Premier League.

Once again, the Sky Blues are looking to the transfer market to solve their issues, this time with a focus on Reijnders, but a new development at Milan could make signing the Dutchman difficult, RAI TV journalist Aurelio Capaldi revealed to the Transfers Podcast.

Man City will need to submit ‘crazy offer’ to AC Milan for Tijjani Reijnders

Host Duncan Castles asked Capaldi whether Massimiliano Allegri will try to keep hold of Reijnders after his appointment at Milan, or whether he would “sacrifice” him to fund a rebuild of the squad.

Capaldi said (29 May, 19.10mins): “No, I think he will try to keep him because Reijnders is one of the very few smiles for AC Milan during last season.

“It’s been a very, very complicated season for AC Milan, lots of defeats, disappointments, lots of angry fans and now Reijnders, and I would say also [Christian] Pulisic, they were the best AC Milan players.

“So, I think Allegri will try to keep him. Of course, it’s up to the club to have the final word. If they get a very crazy offer, it’s very possible he might go.

“But Allegri will try to keep him.”

Man City must go all out for Tijjani Reijnders

Football Insider Verdict

Upon arrival at the San Siro, many had their doubts about Reijnders. The midfielder had arrived from AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands off the back of a breakout season in which he scored seven and assisted 10 in 54 games.

Prior to that season, the Dutchman had hardly set the world alight, but in his two seasons in Italy, the 26-year-old has gone from strength to strength.

Reijnders possesses the ability to drive forward from deep with the ball at his feet, whilst also having a strong passing range.

The midfielder’s height and strength also make him formidable defensively, giving his managers the option to deploy him close to a striker, or sitting in front of a back four.

Reijnders’ versatility and skillset make him perfectly suited to Premier League football, and pairing him with a midfielder like Rodri could be key to City’s resurgence next season.