Manchester City give Tijjani Reijnders fresh chance under Enzo Maresca

Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders is set to be given a fresh opportunity under incoming manager Enzo Maresca, despite earlier transfer speculation. The 27-year-old Dutch international arrived at the Etihad Stadium from AC Milan for £46.5 million last summer, scoring a goal and providing an assist on his Premier League debut against Wolves. His involvement declined sharply in the second half of the season, starting just nine of City’s final 20 league matches under Pep Guardiola, though he still managed seven goals and eight assists across 47 appearances in all competitions.

According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Manchester City have no immediate plans to sell Reijnders this summer, with Maresca’s appointment expected to provide the midfielder with a ‘new start’. Reijnders is said to be hopeful of impressing during the ongoing FIFA World Cup with the Netherlands in North America and in pre-season under Maresca, aiming for a more consistent run of games in 2026-27.

City’s reluctance to further reduce their midfield options following Bernardo Silva’s free-agent departure to Real Madrid works in Reijnders’ favour, despite his recent dip in form. Serie A clubs, including those in Italy where Reijnders played last season, continue to monitor his situation, though City’s stance suggests no urgency to facilitate a return.

Reijnders has been linked with multiple clubs this summer, including Arsenal, Juventus, and Atletico Madrid, with Arsenal reportedly plotting a summer swoop. His future has been a recurring topic since Guardiola’s exit and Maresca’s expected arrival added further uncertainty.

Hugo Viana, Manchester City’s director of football, is also pushing for a deal to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, indicating a broader midfield reshuffle under Maresca. Whether Reijnders secures regular playing time under the new manager remains uncertain, but his position at the club appears more secure than earlier summer reports suggested.