Saudi club bets on Dutch midfield star as Al‑Qadsiah revamps squad

Al‑Qadsiah, eager to break into the Saudi league’s top tier after two fourth‑place finishes, needed a proven midfield creator to replace departing stars and drive its new project. The club secured Dutch Oranje‑international Tijjani Reijnders on a long‑term deal, aiming to boost quality and ambition.

From rumors to reality

Speculation had swirled for months that Reijnders would leave Manchester City this transfer summer. The 28‑year‑old midfielder, who arrived from AC Milan for €55 million last year, finally confirmed the move by signing for Al‑Qadsiah.

Financial terms and contract

Manchester City released Reijnders for a fee described as “over €60 million”. He signed a contract running until mid‑2030 with an option for an additional year, and the deal guarantees him total earnings of more than €100 million.

Reijnders’ departure was facilitated by Manchester City’s recent midfield overhaul. Under Pep Guardiola he never secured a regular spot, and his successor Enzo Maresca also favoured other options.

City’s latest signing, Elliot Anderson, arrived for a record €115 million, while Maresca is keen to reunite with former Chelsea teammate Enzo Fernández. These moves opened space for Reijnders to exit.

Nottingham Forest showed interest, but Reijnders chose Al‑Qadsiah, attracted by the club’s ambitious project and the length of the contract.

Al‑Qadsiah’s project and squad

At his new club Reijnders will line up alongside Souffian El Karouani, former Real Madrid forward Nacho and striker Mateo Retegui. Al‑Qadsiah is undergoing a metamorphosis, aiming to become a top contender in the Saudi competition.

The team finished fourth in each of the past two seasons after years of flirting with the bottom of the table, and a brand‑new stadium is set to open soon.

Following Crysencio Summerville’s rise, the new Dutch national coach Xavi now watches Reijnders head to the Middle East, marking another shift in the Oranje‑international’s career path.