Manchester City have made another big statement in the summer transfer window by officially announcing the arrival of Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders from Italian giants AC Milan. The 26-year-old becomes City’s fourth summer signing, following the acquisitions of Rayan Ait-Nouri, Marcus Bettinelli, and Rayan Cherki.
The announcement was made via the club’s official channels on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, and signals Pep Guardiola’s continued intent to strengthen his already star-studded squad. Reijnders joins on a five-year contract and is expected to inject fresh energy, creativity, and depth into City’s midfield unit.
From San Siro to the Etihad: A New Chapter Begins
In his first interview as a Manchester City player, Reijnders couldn’t hide his excitement about the move.
“I’m truly delighted to be joining Manchester City,” he said. “This club is among the very best in the world—top-class manager, incredible teammates, and world-leading facilities. I can’t wait to start playing and contributing to the team.”
With his elegant passing, tactical intelligence, and excellent vision, Reijnders is seen as a perfect complement—and potential competitor—to City’s established midfield powerhouses like Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri. He will be expected to adapt quickly to Guardiola’s dynamic system and add a fresh dimension to the team’s possession-based style.
A Taste of Indonesia at the Etihad
Beyond the pitch, one of the more unexpected highlights from Reijnders’ first day in Manchester came during a light-hearted Q&A session with the club’s media team. When asked about his favorite food, his answer surprised many: “Nasi goreng.”
The revelation quickly made waves online, especially among Indonesian fans, many of whom already felt a strong connection to Reijnders. Born in Zwolle, Netherlands, the midfielder has Indonesian heritage from his mother’s side, and his younger brother Eliano Reijnders has even pledged his international future to the Indonesian national team.
This familial connection has earned Tijjani a warm welcome from Southeast Asia, with many fans proudly embracing him as part of the broader Indonesian football family. His fondness for nasi goreng, Indonesia’s iconic fried rice dish, only deepened that cultural link—turning him into an instant fan favorite.
From Admiring Messi to Partnering with Rodri
In the same interview, Reijnders revealed his football idols and inspirations. Unsurprisingly, he named Lionel Messi as the player he admired most growing up.
“Messi has always been my hero. The way he plays, the way he sees the game—it’s magical. He inspired me to become a creative midfielder.”
When asked which current City player he is most looking forward to playing alongside, Reijnders immediately mentioned Rodri.
“Rodri is so calm under pressure. His intelligence, positioning, and control of the game are exceptional. I believe I can learn a lot from him and I’m excited to build a strong midfield partnership.”
Ready for the Premier League Challenge
Reijnders’ spell at AC Milan helped him develop into a complete midfielder, capable of playing in both offensive and defensive roles. His performances in Serie A and the Champions League showed that he could compete at the highest level, and many believe his skill set is tailor-made for the fast-paced, physically demanding world of the Premier League.
City fans are already excited about what he can bring to the squad. Whether it’s his intelligence on the ball, his versatility, or his humble, down-to-earth personality, Reijnders seems to tick all the right boxes.
Guardiola’s Vision and City’s Continued Dominance
The signing of Tijjani Reijnders is a clear reflection of Pep Guardiola’s strategy for sustained dominance. Rather than rest on their laurels, Manchester City are investing in players who combine quality with potential, experience with hunger.
Reijnders is expected to play a crucial role not only in City’s domestic campaigns but also in their continued quest for European glory. His arrival sends a strong message to rivals: Manchester City are not slowing down.
Will Nasi Goreng Be Etihad’s Lucky Charm?
With Reijnders now settled in Manchester and ready to embrace his new challenge, fans are already speculating if his beloved nasi goreng will become the team’s unofficial lucky charm. Who knows—perhaps Indonesian cuisine will fuel the next chapter of City’s success.
As the new season approaches, one thing is certain: Tijjani Reijnders brings more than just footballing talent to Manchester City—he brings global flair, cultural pride, and a unique spark both on and off the pitch.
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