Reijnders' Father Reveals Reasons Behind Midfielder's Move from Manchester City to Al Qadsiah

Tijjani Reijnders' father has shared insights about the midfielder’s surprising transfer from Manchester City to Saudi Arabia’s Al Qadsiah. While the deal’s huge financial package grabbed attention, Martin Reijnders, who is also Tijjani’s business advisor and father, says there were other important factors involved.

Financial Demands and Sporting Ambitions

The move stunned many fans given Reijnders is a Dutch international at 28, often considered a player in his prime. The reported four-year contract worth around 100 million euros was a headline grabber. Yet, Martin pointed out the story is more complicated than just money.

He explained the transfer happened because of a combination of high asking prices from Manchester City and sporting reasons. European clubs like Juventus, Newcastle United, and Atletico Madrid showed real interest after Reijnders became dissatisfied with his changing role under new manager Enzo Maresca. Still, Manchester City set a transfer fee no European club could meet.

"Tijjani simply couldn’t go just anywhere," Martin said, revealing that only Al Qadsiah had the financial power to meet the steep valuation. After initially refusing twice, Reijnders and his team reconsidered the Saudi offer.

Ambitious Project in Saudi Arabia

The decision wasn’t purely about the money. Al Qadsiah impressed with their growing ambition, having qualified for the Asian Champions League and aggressively signing international players to become a strong force in Asia.

Martin admitted the financial terms are "truly incredible" but insisted that money only became decisive when comparing two sporting options: an unhappy bench role at Manchester City versus regular playing time in a system designed for him. "Money only became a factor when two sporting choices remained," he stated.

Looking Forward

Reijnders leaves Manchester City after making a mark in England, including winning both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup during the 2025–26 season. He also represented the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup. Now, he shifts his focus entirely to his new challenge in the Middle East.

Al Qadsiah aims to make a strong impression in continental competitions, and Reijnders plans to be a key figure in their ambitions by securing regular minutes and contributing to their growth.

Upcoming Fixtures

• Premier League: Crystal Palace vs Manchester City, 28 Aug 2026, 21:00
• Saudi Pro League: Al Qadsiah vs Al-Faisaly, 30 Aug 2026, 20:00