Real Madrid eye move for Man City’s Tijjani Reijnders this summer
Man City are in the middle of another massive transfer saga, and this time, Real Madrid are coming for one of their players. According to Spanish outlet Defensa Central and backed by TuttoJuve, Real Madrid are actively planning a summer bid for Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders. Los Blancos actually had the 27-year-old on their list during his standout years at AC Milan, but City beat them to the punch, bringing him to the Etihad in the summer of 2025 for an initial €57 million, with the total potentially hitting €70 million.
Since moving to Manchester, Reijnders has scored 5 goals and recorded 2 assists in 26 Premier League games during the 2025-26 season. It’s a decent return, but a bit underwhelming compared to the hype he generated in Serie A. Insider Pete O’Rourke suggests City might be ready to sell this summer, noting that the midfielder hasn’t really made an impact lately.
At Milan, he was the link between midfield and attack, thriving with the freedom to get forward. That just hasn’t happened under Guardiola’s more tactical, rigid system. While his movement and vision are top-tier, he tends to disappear in strictly disciplined setups, which has been the story of his season. After two shaky years for the Dutchman at the Etihad, Real Madrid feel the timing is perfect to bring in a midfielder who can lead their transitions and boost the squad for the 2026-27 season.
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Does selling Reijnders actually make sense for Man City?
To be honest, yes, and Man City shouldn’t think twice. Reijnders is currently valued between €71 million and €87 million, which is a great price for a player who hasn’t quite lived up to his price tag. With City sitting nine points behind Arsenal in second place, Guardiola needs game-changers, not just bench depth. Selling Reijnders to Real Madrid for a profit would provide the exact funds needed for a rebuild. The Dutchman needs a team that lets him roam, and Man City need the cash to find more decisive players. It’s a rare win-win for everyone involved.
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