Al-Qadsiah Nears €60m Reijnders Transfer Amid Al-Ittihad Debut
Al-Qadsiah are on the brink of one of the most eye-catching deals of the Roshn League summer, with Netherlands and Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders set to land in Saudi Arabia to complete a big-money move.
Saudi daily "Asharq Al-Awsat" reports that Al-Qadsiah have reached a full agreement with Manchester City to sign the 28-year-old for around €60 million. All key details are described as settled, leaving Reijnders effectively an Al-Qadsiah player in all but official announcement.
The Dutchman is scheduled to arrive in Saudi Arabia on Monday to finalise the transfer and complete the remaining formalities.
A debut with a twist
If everything goes to plan, Reijnders’ first minutes in the Roshn League could come in a high-profile clash. Al-Qadsiah face Al-Ittihad next Friday in the second round of the league, and the decision over whether to throw the new signing straight into the spotlight will rest with Irish coach Brendan Rodgers.
Al-Ittihad, intriguingly, stand as the first potential hurdle in Reijnders’ Saudi journey and the backdrop to his introduction to the league his transfer fee demands.
From Milan to Manchester to the Gulf
Reijnders only joined Manchester City last summer from Milan, but he quickly became a regular presence. He featured in 50 matches across competitions, contributing 7 goals and 8 assists and showcasing the blend of energy, passing range and end-product that attracted Al-Qadsiah.
That output, combined with his versatility in midfield, has convinced the Saudi club to invest heavily as they reshape their squad.
Building for the AFC Champions League Elite
Al-Qadsiah’s move is part of a broader, aggressive rebuild. The club are pushing hard to reinforce their ranks ahead of a historic campaign in the AFC Champions League Elite, where they will compete for the first time in their history.
Bringing in a midfielder of Reijnders’ profile is a clear signal: Al-Qadsiah do not intend to simply make up the numbers on the continental stage. They want to arrive ready – and they are paying Champions League-level money to prove it.
