Tijjani Reijnders Admits Saudi Move Was Driven by Financial Security

Tijjani Reijnders has openly acknowledged that financial security was central to his decision to leave Manchester City for Al-Qadsiah, while maintaining that he intends to return to top-level European football after his Saudi Pro League spell.

Key takeaways

• Reijnders joined Al-Qadsiah for £52m after one season at Manchester City, who had signed him from AC Milan for £46.5m.
• The Netherlands midfielder is reported to be due £86m under his multi-year Saudi contract.
• He made 50 appearances for City but was dissatisfied with being used chiefly as a number 10 rather than in his preferred number-eight role.
• Reijnders has scored three times in his first five Al-Qadsiah matches, with the club fourth in the Saudi Pro League.
• He remains part of the Netherlands squad under new national-team coach Xavi.

A short and difficult City stay

The 28-year-old’s Manchester City career ended after a single frustrating campaign. Reijnders arrived from AC Milan amid significant expectations but did not establish himself as a consistent influence despite reaching 50 appearances in all competitions.

His principal concern was positional. Reijnders sees himself as an energetic central midfielder, operating box to box from the number-eight position, but felt he was too often deployed further forward as an attacking midfielder.

Atletico Madrid and Juventus were among the European clubs to show an interest in a move. City’s valuation, however, ultimately left Al-Qadsiah as the club able to complete the £52m transfer.

When he moved in August, Reijnders pointed to Al-Qadsiah’s ambition to become the biggest club in Asia. He has since been more direct about the financial appeal of the deal, which is expected to earn him around £86m over several years.

“Me a money grabber? I can’t deny that,” Reijnders said. “Once my playing career is over, I don’t want to have to work anymore.” He said the move would give his family security for future generations, adding that he saw little reason to reject an offer capable of protecting even his grandchildren financially.

European return remains the target

Reijnders rejected the suggestion that his move means he is winding down competitively. He argued that the Saudi Pro League demands full commitment every week and rated its standard, strengthened by the arrival of prominent players, above that of the Eredivisie.

“It’s not like I can play at 65 percent every match there,” he said, arguing that critics should watch the competition before judging its football.

Discussions with Al-Qadsiah manager Brendan Rodgers also shaped his thinking. Reijnders said Rodgers had told him that he could enjoy three or four productive years in Saudi Arabia before returning to Europe, and that this remains his objective.

“Many people think that your career as a top footballer is over when you take that step,” Reijnders said. “I had that feeling at first too.” He believes there are now enough examples of players returning to European football to make that route realistic.

His international position has not been affected by the transfer so far. Reijnders has retained his Netherlands place under Xavi, who has publicly defended the quality of the Saudi Pro League. With three goals from five games for Al-Qadsiah, the midfielder will aim to carry that early club form into the Netherlands side as the new coach introduces his ideas.