Tijjani Reijnders is perfectly placed to lead Manchester City’s £130million supermarket sweep. The versatile midfielder used to stack shelves in Aldi but is now the first signing of a huge summer for Pep Guardiola.
According to The Sun, Reijnders, 26, idolises Kevin De Bruyne and will now be tasked with filling the gaping void left by the Belgian superstar. When the Holland international joined Milan he was asked about his rise to the top and said: “I recently noticed an article ‘from amateur to AC Milan’. But when I think about it, I like ‘from Aldi to AC Milan’ even better!”
Reijnders’ path to the top has been carefully plotted, aided by his father and agent, Martin – a former player himself who was a team-mate of Jaap Stam at Dutch side Zwolle. The family clearly planned a footballing career for their son from day one, naming him Tijjani after former Nigerian winger, Tijani Babangida. Younger brother Eliano also plays for his father’s former side, Zwolle.
Martin revealed after sealing Tijjani’s move to Milan that the pair had decided to turn down Barcelona in order to join the Rossoneri. Barca were on the lookout for an heir to Sergio Busquets and Reijnders’ father made the brave and bold decision to tell his son that he was not quite up to the task.
Reijnders can bring a bit of everything to a Manchester City midfield in need of a shot in the arm. The former AZ Alkmaar man made more interceptions than any other midfielder in Serie A this season as well as creating the most chances from open play. He may not have the craft of De Bruyne when it comes to creating chances – there are few, if any, who do – but Reijnders can also find the back of the net.
Milan’s maestro bagged 15 goals from midfield this term – two more than any other midfielder in the Italian top flight. Reijnders’ ability to score goals and create chances for his team-mates will be a welcome boost for Manchester City.
Reijnders has studied fellow players to add as much to his game as possible. Speaking to The Athletic, Reijnders said: “When I got older, I looked a lot at Kevin De Bruyne. I watched his games, YouTube clips. Especially the way he was scanning the pitch before he gets the ball so he always knows where the space is. I try to do the same.”
Before looking to add elements of De Bruyne to his game, City’s new man carefully studied another Guardiola stalwart in Andres Iniesta.
There are few deals which can be a sure thing, not every signing is as obvious as Erling Haaland. But in Reijnders, Manchester City look to have identified a player capable of grabbing hold of a game who is primed to slot straight into a Guardiola side.
According to The Sun, Reijnders will provide a welcome boost for Pep Guardiola. The Dutchman is a midfielder who can do a bit of everything and The Sun has reported that he has an eye for goal.
Reijnders is married to Marina and they have a baby son, Xavien, born in February 2024. The family regularly post snaps on social media.
The signing of Reijnders is a statement of intent from Manchester City, who are looking to rebuild their midfield after a successful season. With his versatility, goal-scoring ability, and creative flair, Reijnders is set to become a key player for Guardiola’s side.
Reijnders’ rise from stacking shelves at Aldi to becoming a Manchester City player is an inspiring story. His dedication and hard work have paid off, and he is now set to take on the challenge of playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world.
As The Sun reported, Reijnders has been hailed as a potential star by Milan and Netherlands great Frank Rijkaard, who said: “I hope that Reijnders becomes one of the best midfielders in the world… I sincerely believe he’s already on the right path.”
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