Has Man City Signed the Next Gundogan?

Tijjani Reijnders is not a name that grabs global headlines yet, but Manchester City fans might want to get used to hearing it more often. The Dutch midfielder has almost switched from AC Milan to the Etihad in a deal worth £59 million. There’s a quiet sense of excitement around the club. 

For a side in need of midfield reinvention following Ilkay Gundogan’s in his twilight years and Kevin De Bruyne’s recent exit, Reijnders might just be the fresh spark they’ve been searching for. Pep Guardiola’s teams are known for having skillful midfielders on the side, and Reijnders could be another.

A Rare Bright Spot In Milan’s Gloom

Reijnders’ journey is as grounded as it is inspiring. He juggled football with shifts at Aldi in the Netherlands a few years ago. Today, he’s coming off a season in which he was named Serie A’s best midfielder. That says about his work ethic and play on the pitch.

AC Milan’s 2024-25 campaign was far from one to remember. The Rossoneri limped to an eighth-place finish, their lowest in five years. It was plagued by inconsistency, injuries, and lack of direction. They also lost the Coppa Italia final to Bologna FC, giving them silverware after 51 years. Yet through that gloom, Reijnders shone brightly.

He scored 15 goals across all competitions, which was a stunning return for a midfielder. It was central to everything positive Milan did. Comfortable on the ball, press-resistant under pressure, eye for goal, and constantly aware of what’s around him, he showcased traits reminiscent of someone City fans adore: Ilkay Gundogan.

Letting him go will sting for Milan fans, especially considering they only signed him from AZ Alkmaar in 2023 for €20m. But financial pragmatism has taken root at the San Siro in recent years. Another sad reminder of how far a once-great football giant has fallen. The seven-time European champions have slowly become a selling club in recent years. 

Milan were only able to bring in Reijnders from AZ Alkmaar in the summer of 2023 after cashing in on Sandro Tonali, who made the move to Newcastle. With Reijnders potentially on his way out, the club faces the challenge of finding another affordable gem to fill the void, a challenge that’s easier said than done.

Reijnders: The Perfect Pep Player?

While this might be another blow for Milan, it’s a sharp piece of business for City. Guardiola’s side lacked energy and invention in midfield last season, and it was clear that a new signing was needed, not just someone to fill a hole, but someone to drive the team forward.

That’s a bold comparison, but it’s not far-fetched. Like Gundogan, Reijnders is elegant yet industrious. He doesn’t just pass sideways; he breaks lines. His ability to pick up the ball and drive into the opposition box is what we once saw a young Gundogan do back in his Dortmund and City days. His timing, positioning, and awareness in the final third mirror the German’s late runs and clutch contributions during crucial moments.

City’s midfield has long been built on rhythm and intelligence. Reijnders’ 93% pass completion in Serie A and his off-the-ball movement show he can slot seamlessly into Guardiola’s high-possession system. The Dutchman appears perfect for Pep-ball, whether operating as a No.8 or rotating deeper when needed.

The Biggest Step Yet

I feel that this move is the perfect evolution of Reijnders’ career. He’s entering his peak years, and the jump from Milan to Manchester is one he’s earned. He’s joining a City squad hungry to bounce back after a disappointing season. The club failed to win the Premier League, Champions League, or any other trophy for the first time since Pep‘s debut season in 2017. Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak hinted at significant changes this summer. Reijnders is a key piece of that rebuild.

While there’s always an element of risk when a player transitions to the Premier League, especially under a coach as detail-obsessed as Guardiola, Reijnders has the tools to thrive. He’s not just technically gifted. He’s also mentally robust, a quiet leader on the pitch and has repeatedly shown he can rise above difficult circumstances. Has Man City signed the next Gundogan? It’s too early to say something so huge. But if Reijnders adapts quickly and lives up to his billing, don’t be surprised if he becomes one of the defining midfielders of this new City era.