Tijjani Reijnders has put the financial logic behind his Saudi move into plain words. The Netherlands midfielder, now at Al-Qadisiyah after a difficult season at Manchester City, says the deal can secure not only his own future but that of generations to come.
The 28-year-old joined the Saudi Pro League this summer and has remained in the Netherlands set-up, earning a place in Xavi’s first squad for the Nations League.
Quick facts
- Reijnders joined Al-Qadisiyah this summer after leaving Manchester City.
- His four-year contract could be worth around €100 million.
- The midfielder says he hopes to return to European football after three or four years in Saudi Arabia.
- The Netherlands begin their Nations League campaign against Germany on Friday at 20:45.
Reijnders said he no longer wants to work once his playing career is over. He felt financially secure after his time at City, but believes the Al-Qadisiyah contract gives him the chance to protect the future of his family as well.
“If this decision means my grandchildren can also live well, why would I not take it?” he said. Should he complete the entire agreement, he is expected to earn approximately €100 million across four years.
A route back to Europe
The former AC Milan player does not see Saudi Arabia as the final stage of his career. Discussions with Al-Qadisiyah coach Brendan Rodgers have helped shape a plan to spend several seasons in the league before attempting a return to Europe.
Rodgers told him he could enjoy three or four productive years in Saudi Arabia and still move back to the European game afterwards, Reijnders said. He pointed to other players who have taken a similar route and described that path as his own target.
Reijnders also believes the Saudi Pro League now offers a stronger standard than the Dutch top flight where he began as a professional.
His immediate focus is international duty. The Netherlands face Germany on Friday, then travel to Serbia on the 27th, play Greece on October 1 and host Serbia three days later.
