Tijjani Reijnders could be heading for the Manchester City exit just one year after arriving at the Etihad, with Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah now in advanced talks over a move.
The Netherlands international has suddenly become one of the biggest names at the centre of City's late-window transfer activity, with reports suggesting the Saudi club are pushing to complete a deal.
According to reporting from David Ornstein, negotiations between Manchester City and Al-Qadsiah are advanced, although talks are still ongoing. �
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That means the transfer is not yet complete, and there is currently no basis for Sevens Sports Arena to issue an Arena Alert.
The potential departure is particularly surprising because Reijnders only joined City from AC Milan in June 2025.
City paid around £46.3m (€55m) for the midfielder and handed him a five-year contract. �
Sky Sports
Reijnders arrived with a strong reputation after being named Serie A's Best Midfielder for the 2024–25 campaign.
His first season in England produced encouraging moments, although his performances were not always consistent.
Now, remarkably, City could be prepared to move him on.
Al-Qadsiah have emerged as the club pushing hardest for the Dutchman.
The latest reports indicate that the Saudi side are in advanced negotiations with City, with the possibility of a deal being completed in the coming days. �
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A separate report has claimed the proposed transfer could be worth around €60m, although that figure has not been confirmed by Manchester City. �
Football Place
That distinction is important.
The existence of advanced talks is well reported, but the exact final fee and whether the player has agreed personal terms remain matters to be resolved.
The timing makes the story particularly intriguing.
Reijnders was signed as an important midfield addition, and City were expected to benefit from his ability to carry the ball, arrive in attacking positions and contribute goals from midfield.
However, City's squad has undergone significant changes during the summer.
The club are also facing uncertainty surrounding Rodri, while reports indicate they are considering further midfield recruitment.
The Guardian reports that City are in advanced talks to sell Reijnders to Al-Qadsiah for around €60m while also considering a move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández. �
The Guardian
That suggests Reijnders' potential departure could be connected to a much bigger reshaping of City's midfield.
The biggest remaining question may ultimately be the player's.
Reports indicate that the clubs are discussing the transfer, but Reijnders still has to decide whether a move to Saudi Arabia is the right next step in his career.
At 28, the Dutch international remains an established player at the highest level.
A move to Al-Qadsiah would therefore represent a major change after only one season in the Premier League.
If the reported €60m figure proves accurate, City could potentially receive more than they paid for Reijnders in euros.
That would make the proposed sale financially attractive despite the midfielder spending only one season at the club.
But money would not be the only consideration.
City would also need to ensure they have sufficient midfield depth if Reijnders leaves, particularly with other major transfer developments surrounding the squad.
The potential exit comes during the beginning of Enzo Maresca's Manchester City reign.
The new manager has inherited a squad that is already being reshaped, and Reijnders' situation could become another major decision for him.
Maresca must determine which players fit his tactical plans and which positions need strengthening.
If Reijnders leaves, another midfielder could be required.
That could make the next few weeks particularly important for City.
Reijnders' story at Manchester City could therefore become one of the most surprising transfer developments of the summer.
He arrived only last year after an outstanding season in Italy.
He was expected to become an important part of City's midfield for years.
Instead, just 12 months later, he could be preparing to leave.
Nothing is official yet.
But with Al-Qadsiah now in advanced talks, the possibility is becoming increasingly serious.
For Sevens Sports Arena, the distinction remains crucial.
Reijnders is not officially an Al-Qadsiah player yet.
Advanced negotiations do not equal a completed transfer.
Until the clubs reach a definitive agreement and the remaining steps are completed, there will be no Arena Alert.
But if the deal crosses that final line, this could quickly become one of the biggest exits of Manchester City's summer.
Tijjani Reijnders could be leaving the Etihad after just one season — and Al-Qadsiah are pushing hard to make it happen.
●⚽ Goal: Should Manchester City sell Reijnders?
●🔥 Fire: Would €60m be a good deal for City?
●😲 Shock: Did you expect Reijnders to leave after only one season?
●👍 Like: Should City replace him with Enzo Fernández?
●💬 Comment: Would you stay at City or choose Al-Qadsiah if you were Reijnders?