Reijnders to play ahead of Rodri and Gonzalez: ‘Exciting’ Man City update
Tijjani Reijnders is likely to be used in front of the likes of Rodri and Nico Gonzalez for Man City next season.
Speaking on Football Insider’s Inside Track Podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke reported where the Etihad-bound Dutchman is likely to be deployed in Pep Guardiola‘s system next season.
By their high standards the 2024/25 campaign was a hugely underwhelming one for the Citizens as they failed to get their hands on any major silverware.
As a result, there is pressure on the club to strengthen this summer to avoid a repeat of that situation in the 2025/26 season.
Football Insider understands that Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri is one target who is keen to join Man City, although he is not the only being eyed for a move to the Etihad.
Tijjani Reijnders close to Man City deal
As the deposed champions look to improve their squad for next season, they are closing in on a raid of Italian giants AC Milan.
It has been reported that Man City an agreement in place for the signing of Reijnders from the Serie A side, in what will be a boost to their midfield.
A major injury to Ballon d’Or winner Rodri was a huge blow for Guardiola last season, while Nico Gonzalez has yet to fully get going following his January move to the Etihad.
O’Rourke now expects that duo to combine deeper in midfield from next season, with Reijnders tipped to make a big impact playing further forward to fill the void left by the exit Kevin De Bruyne from Man City.
“He’s got all the attributes to be a top player in the Premier League. As I said, real energetic, got a knife a goal, and he does like that late, run into the box to score goals as well.” he said on Inside Track.
“He’s got a bit of he’s got a bit of everything about him, really. He could play as an eight, he could play as a 10, and he could even play as a six as well.
“So a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola, because he fits all those roles. Do expect him to play further forward, because he’s probably not great without the ball, like maybe Nico Gonzalez will be.
“I expect Gonzalez, Rodri to be maybe the two holding midfielders, with Reijnders playing a bit further forward.
“And as I said, exciting for City fans, if he can recreate that form they showed at AC Milan this season, scoring goals, creating goals, and he’s got good composure on the ball as well, so it’ll definitely help fill those shoes of Kevin De Bruyne.
“Slightly different player from De Bruyne, maybe not as creative, but he will show energy and everything else in that midfield, and he does like to attack the box later on with runs in there. So he’s a good goal-scoring midfielder who will add options to Pep’s side.”
Pep Guardiola needs new signings to fire quickly
This season has been rather uncharted territory for Guardiola, with the Man City boss not used to failing to win trophies.
As he himself admitted, had it not been for his previous record and reputation, such a return from his side would have seen his job under pressure.
Given he is now being backed in the transfer market with what looks like being younger and stronger recruits, there will be an expectation that Guardiola can quickly bring success back to the club.
If he is unable to do that even with a fresher squad though, questions will likely start to be asked of him, since patience is not a virtue often afforded to managers.
With that in mind, the Man City boss may need the likes of Reijnders to settle in quickly at the Etihad, if he wants to see out the whole of the contract he signed with the club this season.