Tijjani Reijnders is eagerly anticipating joining Manchester City for the Club World Cup, expressing his excitement to link up with his new teammates. The 26-year-old Dutch midfielder has reportedly completed his medical with the club, paving the way for his official transfer from AC Milan.
Reijnders has agreed to a five-year contract with Manchester City, with the transfer fee reported to be 55 million euros (approximately £46 million). He conveyed his eagerness to complete the move, stating he "could not wait" to undergo his medical. Speaking to Italian media, Reijnders confirmed his participation in the Club World Cup with City. "The medical? I couldn't wait to do it. The plan is to take part at the Club World Cup with City. I'm really excited about that," he said. "Doing that means I'll get to know my new team-mates soon.” He also told reporters in the Netherlands that he "couldn't wait any longer" and that he was "thrilled" about his medicals with Manchester City.
Manchester City are scheduled to play their first match of the Club World Cup against Morocco's Wydad AC on June 18. Reijnders' arrival is expected to bolster Pep Guardiola's midfield options, particularly following the departure of Kevin De Bruyne.
Reijnders' move to Manchester City follows a season with AC Milan, where he scored 15 goals. Prior to joining Milan in the summer of 2023, he played for AZ Alkmaar.
While many associated with Manchester City have expressed enthusiasm for the Club World Cup, some have voiced concerns regarding player welfare and the congested match calendar. Manu Akanji admitted that he and many of his teammates would prefer to have some holidays and time for their bodies to rest. Rodri has also previously suggested that footballers may need to go on strike to highlight the issue of too many games. Former City goalkeeper David James also doesn't believe that the new signings or any of the first team should be going to the Club World Cup, considering it a risk too far for players that are already in danger of burnout.
The arrival of Reijnders may also impact the future of other players at City.
