We haven’t seen much of Tijjani Reijnders’ famous celebration this season: arms outstretched, head tilted and smirking face. He sums it up like this: “that’s life. This gesture sums up my motto, but I prefer to do it on the pitch after scoring a goal rather than when things go wrong“. Despite his 7 goals (plus 8 assists in 47 appearances) this season in the Manchester City jersey, the midfielder was not particularly at the party.
The first months were encouraging with a regular starting place, but the second part of the season was more difficult. From 2026, he has entered the starting lineup less. Over the last 14 league matches, the Dutchman, under contract until 2030, even remained on the bench nine times, while his team struggled with Arsenal to win the title. This shows his fall in the hierarchy of Manchester City midfielders and in the mind of Pep Guardiola.
Reijnders needs to revive
Worse still for him, one year after his arrival from AC Milan for €55 million, the coach who contributed to his arrival will leave. He will be replaced by Enzo Maresca and we do not yet know the Italian’s intentions with the 27-year-old player, summoned by Ronald Koeman to participate in the World Cup. He will be able to take advantage of the competition to give an overview of his talent to his new coach, and also increase his popularity with possible suitors.
According to the Daily Maila club is already starting to advance its pawns. This is Atlético de Madrid, which is preparing to experience a turbulent transfer window between the long-planned departure of Griezmann and especially the possible sale of Julian Alvarez. The matter turns out to be complicated, not impossible either for a transfer costing around the same price as a year ago. The Colchoneros do not lack resources but in the same position (in a more defensive register), they are even well on their way to recruiting João Gomes for around €45 million from Wolverhampton. It’s only the beginning of summer.
