Full Breakdown
Juventus Eye Reijnders as Manchester City Midfielder’s Future Hangs in Balance
5/4/2026, 12:39:25 PM
Transfer Background & Recent Form
Netherlands international Tijjani Reijnders arrived at Manchester City from AC Milan for £46.3 million last summer. He debuted with a 4-0 win over Wolves and featured regularly in the first half of the campaign. Since January, his minutes have dwindled; he has been an unused substitute in the last three league victories (Chelsea, Arsenal, Burnley) and has not started in the final ten Premier League fixtures.
Data Snapshot
- Premier League (2023-24): 26 appearances, 5 goals, 2 assists, 1,499 minutes played. – Football Insider.
- All competitions (2023-24): 45 appearances, 7 goals, 8 assists. – Cityxtra.
The two sources differ on total goals and assists, indicating inconsistent reporting of his statistical output.
Juventus Interest & Serie A Rumors
Multiple Italian clubs, led by Juventus, are monitoring Reijnders’ situation. Reports describe Juventus as “strong favourites” to secure the midfielder should he become available, with other Serie A sides also listed as potential suitors. The speculation intensified in May 2024 as Manchester City approach a busy summer transfer window.
Official Club Position
Manchester City have signaled an intention to retain Reijnders beyond the season, emphasizing his ongoing adaptation to Premier League football. The club also notes that the impending departure of Bernardo Silva will create additional midfield opportunities, prompting City to preserve depth as they chase a domestic treble.
Criticism & Analyst Views
Analysts highlight Reijnders’ reduced playing time under Pep Guardiola, attributing his marginalisation to the manager’s preference for a midfield trio of Bernardo Silva, Rodri and Nico O’Reilly, supplemented by Rayan Cherki. Critics argue that the limited minutes jeopardise his form ahead of the FIFA World Cup and raise questions about his long-term role at the club.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Goal/assist totals differ between sources (5 goals/2 assists vs. 7 goals/8 assists).
- No official confirmation from Juventus or Manchester City regarding any concrete bid or transfer clause.
- Contract details beyond the June 2029 expiry, noted in the BBC report, remain unverified in other sources.
Impact on Club Strategies
For Manchester City, retaining Reijnders preserves a versatile option in midfield as the squad prepares for the season’s climax and potential European commitments. Juventus stands to bolster its midfield with a Dutch international experienced in both Serie A and the Premier League, potentially enhancing its competitiveness domestically and in European competition. Reijnders’ playing time also influences his readiness for the upcoming World Cup.
Timeline of Key Events
- Last summer – Transfer from AC Milan to Manchester City for £46.3 million.
- Opening day, 2023-24 – Starts in 4-0 victory over Wolves.
- January 2024 – Minutes sharply reduced; begins appearing only as a substitute.
- May 2024 – Media reports of Juventus and other Serie A clubs tracking Reijnders.
- June 2029 – Contract expiry date (per BBC).
- End of 2023-24 season – Bernardo Silva’s contract set to expire, opening midfield slots.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Tijjani Reijnders will have a number of suitors because he’s a top quality player.” — Football Insider, Transfer Analyst
- “He made quite an encouraging start to life at Man City when he joined from AC Milan, he was starting regularly, but since the turn of the year he’s not featured as regularly.” — Football Insider, Transfer Analyst
- “He will play a key role for City between now and the end of the season as they look to go on and complete a domestic treble.” — Football Insider, Transfer Analyst
- “Reijnders is still very highly rated in Italy, he had a great season with Milan before his move to Man City.” — Football Insider, Transfer Analyst
- “There are a lot of the top Itlian clubs, Juventus and the rest, keeping a close eye on his situation at Man City as well in case he becomes available.” — Football Insider, Transfer Analyst
What’s Next
The summer transfer window will determine whether Juventus or another Serie A club submits a formal offer. Manchester City are expected to assess squad balance in light of Bernardo Silva’s departure and the pursuit of a domestic treble. Reijnders’ performance in the season’s final matches will shape his market value and potential involvement in the 2026 World Cup.
