(Credit: Manh Tung - Breaking Media/Imago)

James Murray

Thu 21 May 2026 12:00, UK

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Tijjani Reijnders could still be a Manchester City player next season despite the question marks around his future at the Etihad Stadium. 

That is according to former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider he’s heard other players could be “sacrificed” instead of the Netherlands international this summer.

Reijnders has faced a difficult spell with Pep Guardiola’s side since joining from AC Milan in a £46.3million deal in June 2025.

The 27-year-old has been left on the bench in six of the past seven Premier League matches.

That has led to speculation Man City could cash in on Reijnders this summer, with Serie A clubs believed to be interested in taking him back to Italy.

How much Man City would demand for Tijjani Reijnders

It has emerged Guardiola is set to leave Man City once this season comes to an end.

That could have an impact on Reijnders’s future at the Etihad, with a new manager potentially open to handing the midfielder more opportunities.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson discussed whether Man City could decide to cut their losses on Reijnders this summer.

“It would make some sense to do so if they could find somebody to take him for anywhere near what they paid,” said Borson.

“That would be difficult. Certainly out of Italy, it’d be almost impossible. The only teams who can pay let’s say €50m (£43.3m) for Reijnders don’t appear to be in Italy.

“City may well be prepared to do a deal where it’s kind of a loan with a view. That can kind of paper over the cracks.”

Why Reijnders could be set to stay at Man City

Borson revealed Man City are more open to selling younger players as opposed to Reijnders once the transfer window reopens.

“From what I hear actually, the likelihood is that Reijnders will not be one that will be sacrificed this summer and other players will be,” said Borson.

“Clearly, there will be other players that will be easier to sell and will have lower book values than Reijnders, players that are perhaps younger and that have also not worked out.

“City have got quite a few players from the fringes that they’d probably like to find a home for, but it won’t be easy, just because there are very few clubs that can spend more than £40m.

“There are very few clubs around Europe that have that kind of money to pay those kind of fees. If the player isn’t under 25, it’s going to be extremely difficult to find a home for them outside of the Premier League.”