Manchester City have been among the most active clubs in the transfer market, orchestrating numerous high‑profile transfers both inbound and outbound, with Tijjani Reijnders emerging as the latest notable departure. The Dutch midfielder is poised to join the Saudi Pro League, a move that will generate a substantial financial injection for the Sky Blues as they pursue Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez.
According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Reijnders has agreed to join Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah after the two clubs reached a full agreement on the transfer fee. The midfielder missed Thursday’s training session and is expected to obtain clearance to travel to Saudi Arabia for medical examinations.
Reijnders joined Manchester City last summer after being named the 2024‑25 Serie A Midfielder of the Year with AC Milan, for a fee of €55 million ($60.5 M). After an adjustment period in England, the club is set to receive €61 million ($67.1 M) from Al Qadsiah, realizing a €6 million profit after just one season.
At the reported fee, Reijnders becomes the fifth‑most expensive signing in Saudi Pro League history. He surpasses the €60 million Al Ittihad paid Aston Villa for Moussa Diaby in 2024, falling just short of the top three.
Tijjani Reijnders of Manchester City against Newcastle United. (George Wood/Getty Images)
Top 5 most expensive SPL signings
According to Transfermarkt, and taking into account the completion of Reijnders’ deal, the top 5 most expensive signings of the Saudi Pro League are the following:
Reijnders’ exit clears path for Enzo Fernandez
Pep Guardiola’s departure as manager has triggered a domino effect across the squad, particularly in midfield with Bernardo Silva heading to Real Madrid, Rodri in ongoing talks with FC Barcelona, and now Reijnders moving on. In Reijnders’ case, his sale will help fund Man City’s primary summer target, Enzo Fernandez.
According to Argentine transfer insider César Luis Merlo, Manchester City have submitted a €120 million ($132 M) offer to Chelsea for Fernandez. However, that figure remains below the price set by the London club.
According to The Athletic and Ben Jacobs, Chelsea have set a deadline of 5:00 p.m. local time on Friday (12:00 p.m. ET) for Manchester City to meet their valuation, insisting on a minimum of €120 million ($162 M) for the Argentina international. If the Manchester club fail to match that number before the deadline, Fernandez will remain at Stamford Bridge for at least another season.
Enzo Maresca and Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea. (Getty Images)
The Sky Blues have already completed a €135 million ($148.5 M) deal for Elliot Anderson, while 18‑year‑old prospect Ayyoub Bouaddi is positioned as Rodri’s long‑term successor in a move reported by David Ornstein to be worth around €100 million ($110 M). With two holding midfielders securing the engine room, Fernandez would provide the late‑arriving box threat and final‑third creativity City currently lack, and his strong working relationship with manager Enzo Maresca could prove decisive in closing the deal.
