Manchester City are racing to complete the signing of Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan in time for the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off in mid-June.
At the specific request of Pep Guardiola, City have accelerated talks with Milan and are closing in on a deal worth up to €75 million, including bonuses.
Reijnders has emerged as a priority target for the Premier League champions, who want to bolster their midfield before heading to the United States to compete on the global stage.
The Dutch international only recently signed a contract extension at San Siro, but with Milan missing out on European competition, both player and club are open to a summer move.
Will Reijnders Play at the Club World Cup?
Manchester City want Reijnders available immediately so that he can participate in the Club World Cup. Guardiola reportedly sees the 26-year-old as an ideal tactical fit, offering versatility and technical quality in central midfield—especially important with Kevin De Bruyne joining Napoli on a free transfer.
Negotiations are now in the final stages. Milan initially rejected a €60 million offer, but a revised €75 million package (including add-ons) is expected to secure an agreement. Reijnders would join City on a significantly higher wage than the €3.5 million he currently earns in Italy.
This transfer also opens up interesting betting angles, especially with City competing in multiple tournaments this summer. For punters looking to bet on Guardiola’s side during the Club World Cup, the best offshore sportsbooks provide competitive futures odds and global market access.
Why Are Milan Selling Reijnders?
AC Milan are preparing to part ways with Reijnders not because of performance issues — he’s been a standout figure since joining from AZ Alkmaar in 2023 — but due to the broader context of their season. Without any UEFA competition to offer, Milan are financially incentivised to cash in on players who can command high fees.
The windfall from Reijnders’ sale will give Milan flexibility in the market, allowing them to rebuild and pursue new targets. According to our latest exclusive on Milan’s transfer shortlist, the club has identified three Serie A midfielders who could replace Reijnders — Samuele Ricci, Hans Nicolussi Caviglia, and Nicolo Rovella.
New manager Max Allegri is said to be spearheading the rebuild alongside recently appointed director Igli Tare, as Milan seek to restore an Italian core to their midfield.
Guardiola’s Summer Rebuild Underway
Signing Reijnders could be one of the first major moves in what is expected to be a strategic summer rebuild at the Etihad. Guardiola wants more depth and energy in midfield, and Reijnders’ blend of composure and mobility ticks every box. The fact that he’s available now — and keen to move — makes him a perfect candidate.
City are also pushing to sign Wolves defender Rayan Ait-Nouri, as per The Athletic, and Rayan Cherki of Lyon. The club’s determination to complete the Reijnders deal before the Club World Cup suggests this is a top-priority signing, and with Milan no longer holding out for the full €80 million, the transfer could be completed within days.
