From Manchester to the Saudi Pro League, Tijjani Reijnders has explained that both footballing frustration and the chance to secure his family’s future drove his €61 million move to Al Qadsiah.
The Netherlands midfielder said he had become increasingly unhappy with the role expected of him at Manchester City, where he felt he was being used too often as an attacking midfielder rather than in the box-to-box position he prefers. Reijnders joined Al Qadsiah in a deal worth €61 million, equivalent to about $69.70 million, in one of the more striking departures from the European game.
Speaking while preparing with the Netherlands squad for a Nations League meeting with Germany, Reijnders said the issue became clear again during City’s pre-season programme. He had hoped to operate dynamically between defence and attack, but believed the tactical direction was returning to one he did not enjoy.
“During pre-season I realised things were heading that way again at City,” he said. “I began asking myself whether I wanted another season like that. Honestly, the answer was no.”
Reijnders said he began considering alternatives after that realisation and was subsequently given permission by City to explore a departure.
A Saudi move with a route back to Europe
The 27-year-old acknowledged that he initially shared the common perception that leaving Europe for Saudi Arabia could mark the end of a player’s elite-level career. Conversations with Al Qadsiah manager Brendan Rodgers changed his mind.
Rodgers told him that he could spend three or four enjoyable years in Saudi Arabia before returning to European football, Reijnders said, pointing to other players who have already made similar moves. A future return to Europe remains part of his own plan.
He also argued that the Saudi Pro League deserves greater respect, particularly given the established names now playing in the competition. Reijnders said he rates the league above the Eredivisie and believes critics should watch Saudi football before passing judgement on its standard.
Financial security also decisive
Reports have placed Reijnders’ four-year Al Qadsiah contract at roughly €100 million. The midfielder made no attempt to hide the importance of that figure in his decision.
He said it was easy to take a moralising position from the outside, but argued that most people would accept such an offer. While he said his Manchester City spell had already left him financially secure, the Saudi contract gives him the opportunity to provide for future generations of his family.
“I do not want to have to work again after my career,” Reijnders said. “I did not need to after City either, but now I can secure a good future for the next generations of my family. If this means my grandchildren can live comfortably too, why would I not do it?”
