Tijjani Reijnders defends £85m Saudi Arabia move from Manchester City

Etihad Stadium

Tijjani Reijnders has defended his decision to swap Manchester City for Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Qadsiah, admitting that the astronomical financial package on offer was simply too good to turn down.

The Dutch midfielder departed the Etihad Stadium during the summer transfer window after spending just a single season in Manchester.

While some observers might criticise the decision to head to the Middle East at this stage of his career, the 28-year-old has been completely transparent about his reasons for making the switch.

Setting up the family future

Reijnders has made it clear that securing his family’s long-term financial future was the primary driver behind the transfer.

Speaking to the Dutch press after finalising his transfer, Reijnders said:

After my career, I do not want to have to work anymore.

The midfielder was quick to challenge those who might judge his decision to leave elite European football behind.

Speaking to the Dutch press, Reijnders added:

The salary on offer there… how could you refuse an offer like that, whether as a player or as a human being? We can all sit here and play the moralists and say, “I would not do that.” But I think most people would say yes to a sum like that.

He openly acknowledged that the life-changing money on offer made the decision a straightforward one for him and his family.

Speaking to the Dutch press, Reijnders said:

I chose security. I am not going to lie about that. By signing this contract, I can make sure that even my grandchildren will be financially secure — so why would I not do it?

A short-lived spell in Manchester

Reijnders only arrived at Manchester City in June 2025, joining from Italian giants AC Milan in a deal worth approximately £47 million.

During his brief spell in England, he went on to make 47 appearances across all competitions, contributing seven goals and registering eight assists.

However, he found himself increasingly used as a squad rotation option rather than starting the club’s most critical fixtures.

When Al-Qadsiah came calling with a £52 million offer, City were prepared to sanction the sale provided their initial investment was recovered, which was achieved when the Saudi club agreed the deal.

Although Newcastle United, Juventus, and Atletico Madrid all showed an interest in signing the midfielder, none of them could match the financial power of the Saudi club.

Reijnders ultimately penned a lucrative five-year contract in Saudi Arabia, which is reported to be worth a staggering £85 million in total, making it one of the most valuable contracts ever signed by a Dutch player.

Immediate success in the Middle East

The transfer appears to have worked out well for the player both on and off the pitch, offering him a fresh start.

Having struggled to fully settle during his brief stint in Manchester, the midfielder has established himself as a key starter for Al-Qadsiah from the very beginning.

He has already made a significant impact in his new surroundings, scoring three goals in his first six matches, five of which he started.

Crucially, his decision to leave the Premier League has not harmed his international prospects either.

Netherlands boss Xavi has selected the midfielder for the September international fixtures, proving that playing in the Saudi Pro League will not necessarily end his national team career.