Tijjani Reijnders’ reported move to Saudi Pro League would mean a massive financial boost for Manchester City to land Enzo Fernandez’s signing.
Manchester City have been one of the most active clubs in the transfer market, orchestrating major moves both in and out, with Tijjani Reijnders now emerging as the latest high-profile departure. With the Dutch midfielder reportedly bound for the Saudi Pro League, the windfall from his sale will give the Sky Blues a massive financial injection as they chase Chelsea midfielder 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 did not participate in Thursday’s training session and is now expected to receive clearance to fly to Saudi Arabia for medical tests.
Reijnders joined Man City last summer after being named the 2024-25 Serie A Midfielder of the Year with AC Milan, commanding a 55 million euro ($60.5M USD) fee. After struggling to replicate that top form in England, the club are now set to receive 61 million euros ($67.1M USD) from Al Qadsiah, netting a 6 million euro profit after just one season.
At that reported fee, Reijnders is set to become the fifth most expensive signing in Saudi Pro League history. He will leapfrog the 60 million euros Al Ittihad paid Aston Villa for French winger Moussa Diaby in 2024, falling just short of breaking into 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:
RankPlayerFee (in EUR)FromToYear1Neymar90 millionParis Saint-GermainAl Hilal20232Jhon Duran77 millionAston VillaAl Nassr20243Crysencio Summerville64.5 millionWest Ham UnitedAl Hilal20264Mateo Retegui61.75 millionAtalantaAl Qadsiah20255Tijjani Reijnders61 millionManchester CityAl Qadsiah2026
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.
Argentine transfer insider Cesar Luis Merlo reports that Manchester City have submitted a 120 million euro ($132M USD) offer to Chelsea for Fernandez. However, that figure remains below the price tag 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 pounds ($162M USD) 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 wrapped up a 135 million euro ($148.5M USD) deal for Elliot Anderson, while 18-year-old young talent Ayyoub Bouaddi is positioned as Rodri’s long-term successor in a move reported by David Ornstein to be worth around 100 million euros ($110M USD). With two holding midfielders securing the engine room, Fernandez would provide the late-arriving box threat and final-third magic City currently lack, and his strong working relationship with manager Enzo Maresca could prove decisive in closing the deal.