Man City sign midfielder Reijnders in time for Club World Cup

AFP | London

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Manchester City yesterday announced the signing of Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan for £46.3 million ($62.4 million), in time for the midfielder to play in the Club World Cup.

The Dutch international, who has signed a five-year contract, is City’s fourth signing of the week as they step up a radical rebuild following a poor season by their sky-high standards.

The club have also announced deals for Lyon midfielder Rayan Cherki, Chelsea goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli and Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri over the past few days.

The total spent is around £108 million, on top of a significant outlay during the January transfer window.

The transfers have been finalised in time for the players to be registered for the group stages of the Club World Cup in the United States, which starts on June 14.

Reijnders, 26, joined AC Milan from AZ Alkmaar in 2023 and scored 15 goals during a disappointing 2024/25 campaign for the Italian club, who finished eighth in Serie A.

He will bolster manager Pep Guardiola’s midfield options following the departure of veteran Kevin De Bruyne.

“I am ecstatic to be signing for Manchester City,” said Reijnders.

“City are one of the biggest teams in the world, with the best coach, world-class players and outstanding facilities.

“Under Pep Guardiola, City have won so many titles and I want to help keep that going with a lot more success in the coming years.”

After four consecutive Premier League titles, City finished a distant third last season and bowed out of the Champions League early.