Reijnders’ City Exit Is Official: Why Al-Qadsiah Paid for Control, Not Just Goals

Al-Qadsiah have completed the signing of Tijjani Reijnders from Manchester City. The move upgrades a story PitchNaija previously labelled as a rumour: the transfer is now confirmed, while the reported €61 million fee remains attributed to reporting.

Reijnders offers more than goals from midfield. His strongest value is the ability to receive under pressure, carry possession forward and connect phases without slowing attacks. That combination explains why Al-Qadsiah committed a major fee for a player entering his prime years.

For City, the exit removes another experienced controller from midfield and increases scrutiny on their replacement plan. PitchNaija will keep the fee separated from the officially confirmed fact of the transfer.