Tijjani Reijnders has revealed that his £51 million move to Saudi Arabian club Al Qadsiah was driven by both dissatisfaction with his role at Manchester City and the financial benefits of the deal. The 28-year-old Dutch midfielder, known for his energy and versatility, felt he was not being used in his preferred box-to-box role at City, where he was often deployed in more advanced central positions. After just one season with the Premier League champions, Reijnders decided to seek a move that better suited his playing style and long-term interests.
Reijnders signed a four-year contract with Al Qadsiah, believed to be worth around €100 million (£86 million), which he said would provide long-term financial security for his family. Initially, he had concerns that moving to the Saudi Pro League might affect his ability to play at the top level in the future. However, discussions with Al Qadsiah's manager, Brendan Rodgers, convinced him that he could remain competitive in the Middle East for three to four years before potentially returning to Europe.
In an interview, Reijnders praised the quality of the Saudi Pro League, stating it is of higher standard than the Dutch Eredivisie. He encouraged fans and critics to watch the matches before making judgments about the league's level. While acknowledging that financial considerations played a role in his decision, Reijnders emphasized his desire to ensure a comfortable future for his family. "I don't want to have to work anymore after my career," he said. "If this choice means my grandchildren can also live comfortably, why wouldn't I do it?"
Tijjani Reijnders Details Reasons for Moving from Manchester City to Saudi Arabia
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