Tijjani Reijnders has completed his move from Manchester City to Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah in a £52 million deal.
The midfielder departs the Etihad just a year on from arriving in Manchester in a £47m move from AC Milan. The 28-year-old made 47 appearances for City last season but struggled for consistent performances and regular starts.
Midfield departures and arrivals
His departure is the latest in a list of midfield exits, with Bernardo Silva and Rodri leaving this summer. Elliot Anderson has arrived, and Ayyoub Bouaddi is set to follow.
Reijnders was used by new coach Maresca in three pre-season friendlies in Asia, but the Italian indicated ahead of the Community Shield that the player had already decided to leave before he arrived, after a frustrating year under Pep Guardiola.
Maresca on Reijnders' decision
“They all work every day, they all do sessions every day and at the end of the week they all want to play a game,” Maresca said. “When they don’t play, they struggle to understand or they struggle to see the reason why and I can understand that after one season some of them would like to play a little bit more. It’s a normal situation. It’s a bit difficult to convince players when they are already convinced. You need to change their thoughts, that is not always easy. Tijjani’s situation is like James Trafford’s situation, some more players, but I think when the club, the player, the manager, they all think the same way, that probably the best decision for a player is to go, you have to go.”
Reijnders' farewell message
Upon departing the Etihad, Reijnders said: “I have been incredibly privileged to play for Manchester City, and I have relished every minute of my time here. From the very moment I arrived, everyone at the club – players, coaches and staff - made me feel so welcome and a part of the Manchester City family. I would also like to say a special thank you to the City fans who were so warm and supportive both to me and my family. To be part of the squad that won two such special trophies last season were both incredible experiences and achievements that I will savour forever. I may be moving on but I will always have a special place in my heart for Manchester City.”
