Man City Close to Snatching Reijnders from Milan in €65M Move - Is Guardiola's Midfield Set?
Manchester City's relentless pursuit of AC Milan's dynamic midfielder, Tijjani Reijnders, is nearing its conclusion, with reports suggesting a €65 million deal is on the brink of completion. For weeks, the Premier League champions have been heavily linked with the Dutch international, and the situation appears to be accelerating as Milan signals a willingness to part ways with their prized asset.
Initially, Milan seemed hesitant to let go of Reijnders, a key figure in their midfield engine room. However, with the club facing financial constraints and potentially seeking to reinvest proceeds into bolstering other areas of the squad, the landscape has shifted dramatically. Sources close to the negotiations indicate that Milan are now prepared to accept City's offer, effectively removing a major obstacle in the transfer.
Reijnders, 22, has rapidly emerged as one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe. His impressive performances for Milan last season showcased his exceptional vision, passing range, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game. He seamlessly transitions between defensive midfield and a more advanced role, offering versatility and tactical flexibility that Pep Guardiola will undoubtedly appreciate.
Why Reijnders Fits Guardiola's System
Guardiola's Manchester City are renowned for their intricate passing patterns and relentless pressing. Reijnders' skillset aligns perfectly with this philosophy. His ability to receive the ball under pressure, distribute it accurately, and drive forward with the ball makes him an ideal fit for City's demanding midfield requirements. Furthermore, his work rate and tactical awareness are qualities that Guardiola highly values in his players.
The potential arrival of Reijnders would further strengthen City's already formidable midfield options, potentially allowing Guardiola to rotate his squad more effectively and maintain a high level of performance throughout the season. It's likely that he would compete with Rodri for a starting spot, adding another layer of competition and depth to the team.
Milan's Perspective and Potential Replacements
While the sale of Reijnders would represent a significant loss for Milan, the substantial fee generated would provide Stefano Pioli's side with valuable resources to strengthen their squad. Milan are already exploring potential replacements, with several names being linked with a move to the San Siro. Finding a player who can replicate Reijnders' versatility and quality will be a key challenge for the club.
The Final Stages
Negotiations are reportedly in the advanced stages, with City and Milan working to finalize the remaining details of the agreement. Medical examinations are expected to be scheduled once an agreement is reached, paving the way for Reijnders to join City's ranks. If all goes according to plan, the highly-rated midfielder could be wearing the sky blue jersey before the start of the new Premier League season.
This transfer would mark another significant coup for Manchester City, further solidifying their position as one of the dominant forces in European football. The arrival of Tijjani Reijnders promises to add a new dimension to Guardiola's midfield, potentially propelling City to even greater heights.
