Tijjani Reijnders faces uncertain Manchester City future, Bernardo Silva plays key role
Tijjani Reijnders is facing an uncertain future at Manchester City amid a growing feeling he could be lured away this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The 27-year-old has fallen down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola this season and is attracting interest from clubs looking to offer him more regular minutes.
However, Man City are believed to be reluctant to see him leave just one year after his big-money move for AC Milan as they eye major changes to their squad.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Bernardo Silva’s departure could be the key to keeping Reijnders in England.
Silva is set to leave the Etihad when his contract expires at the end of the season, and they are keen to keep their other options ahead of a busy window for Man City.
🔄 Man City Transfer Update 🔄
Breaking news on signings, elite targets, and contract news from the City Football Group boardroom.
VISIT THE TRANSFER HUBCould Tijjani Reijnders leave Man City this summer?
Former City financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider on 15 April that Reijnders could be allowed to leave Man City as part of a summer overhaul.
The last couple of transfer windows have centred around renovating Guardiola’s squad, and they have not been afraid to let players go when things haven’t worked out.
| Tijjani Reijnders | Man City Stats | Last 10 League Games |
| Appearances | 45 | 4 |
| Starts | 29 | 0 |
| Minutes Played | 2673 | 86 |
| Goals | 7 | 0 |
| Assists | 8 | 0 |
However, there are high hopes for Reijnders’ long-term role at the Etihad alongside a feeling that he will have a part to play both this season and next.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “I’m sure Tijjani Reijnders will have suitors because he’s a top quality player.
“He will play a role for City probably between now and the end of the season as they look to go on and complete a domestic treble as well.
“There’s going to be a big revamp of City’s midfield in the summer with Bernardo Silva leaving.
“So there will be opportunities for Reijnders long-term, the player will just have to be patient.
“We’ve got to remember a lot of these players when they do arrive in the Premier League they do struggle to adapt to the league.
“Pep Guardiola tends to keep them out of the firing lines while that is the case, so maybe we can see a better Tijjani Reijnders next season.”
What is next for Bernardo Silva after Man City exit?
Silva’s imminent departure from Man City has led to speculation about where his eventual destination may be, with European giants racing to agree terms.
His availability on a free transfer has put the likes of Barcelona on alert, while a return to his boyhood club Benfica has also been widely tipped.
Football Insider revealed on 26 April that Juventus are confident of signing Silva and feel they are well-placed to beat rival clubs to his signature this summer.
The Italian giants are building a long-term project under Luciano Spalletti and believe adding the midfielder’s experience and quality would be a huge boost.
They are also on course to qualify for Champions League football come the end of the season in what would be a huge boost in their pursuit.
Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Man City Insider Access
Get the full story from the Etihad Stadium and CFA with our dedicated expert hubs:
Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the Etihad Campus.