In June 2023, the Premier League club Manchester City made a significant addition to their squad by securing the services of central midfielder Reijnders ahead of the eagerly anticipated FIFA World Cup. The player signed a five-year contract, officially marking his entry into one of football’s most prestigious clubs, based at the famed Etihad Stadium. This move came amid much fanfare, as City aimed to bolster their midfield as they prepared for yet another competitive season.
Initial figures suggested that Manchester City had parted with a base fee of approximately £46.5 million to acquire the Netherlands international. However, recent disclosures from the Italian publication Calciomercato have illuminated the broader financial structure of the transfer deal. They revealed that the total cost of Reijnders’s transfer could escalate to around €70.7 million, which converts to about £61 million, factoring in the various performance-related bonuses that have been agreed upon between the clubs.
Reports indicate that City paid an upfront fee of roughly €57.7 million, equivalent to £49.8 million, along with a set of bonuses tied to Reijnders’s on-pitch accomplishments. Notably, among these incentives is a unique Ballon d’Or bonus; should Reijnders be awarded football’s most coveted individual accolade during his tenure in Manchester, his former club AC Milan would receive an additional €2 million (around £1.7 million). As of now, Reijnders has not yet been nominated for the Ballon d’Or shortlist in his career. However, his notable performances for the Rossoneri during the 2024/25 season allowed him to clinch several honors, including being named Serie A Best Midfielder and earning a place in the Serie A Team of the Season after netting an impressive 10 league goals, despite Milan’s struggles that season.
The overarching financial agreement further stipulates multiple bonuses including €5 million (approximately £4.3 million) related to UEFA Champions League qualification, €2 million for winning the prestigious tournament, €1 million for clinching the Premier League title, and a further €1 million bonus for being named Premier League Player of the Season. Additionally, it has been reported that there are future earnings of €1 million for each year Reijnders remains at the club from 2030 to 2032. An added clause ensures that should Reijnders leave prior to the expiration of his contract in 2030, AC Milan would still benefit from the full €14 million bonus package.
Since his transfer, Reijnders has begun his career with Manchester City on a strong note, showcasing his skills during the FIFA Club World Cup. This marks his fifth club in an evolving career, and Reijnders expressed his enthusiasm upon joining the English champions. “I am ecstatic to be signing for Manchester City,” he remarked, acknowledging the club’s stature among the world’s elite. He further praised City’s exceptional management under Pep Guardiola, stating, “City have won so many titles, and I want to help keep that going with a lot more success in the coming years.” The midfielder also expressed his excitement for the opportunity to compete in the Premier League, recognized as a premier competition that has historically attracted talented players from the Netherlands and beyond.
As the summer transfer window continues, Manchester City is also active in enhancing their squad depth. The club has made additional signings, including Rayan Cherki from Lyon and Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolverhampton Wanderers ahead of the Club World Cup. Moreover, Pep Guardiola is keen on bouncing back in the 2025/26 Premier League season, particularly after a lackluster title defense that saw Man City finish third in the 2024/25 campaign, trailing champions Liverpool by an alarming 13 points and just three behind runners-up Arsenal.
Fans can anticipate thrilling Premier League action ahead as City aims to reclaim their place at the pinnacle of English football while keeping a close watch on the unfolding narratives within the league.
