Tijjani Reijnders cites financial security for Saudi Arabia move

Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has spoken candidly about his decision to leave Manchester City for the Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah. Reijnders, 28, admitted that financial security was a primary motivator for the move, stating that the lucrative contract would allow him to secure his family's future for generations.

“I don’t want to work anymore after my career. Of course, I probably wouldn’t have needed to work anymore after my contract at Manchester City either, but this move allows me to secure the future of the next generations of my family,” Reijnders said. He added, “If my grandchildren can also live well because of this choice, why wouldn’t I do it?”

The transfer, completed in August, involved Al Qadsiah paying approximately €61 million to Manchester City. Reijnders is expected to earn roughly €100 million over the course of his five-year contract.

Beyond financial reasons, Reijnders cited tactical dissatisfaction at Manchester City. He expressed a desire to play as a dynamic box-to-box midfielder rather than the more advanced No. 10 role he was frequently assigned under management. He also defended the quality of the Saudi Pro League, noting that the competition is high and that he intends to remain a regular for the Netherlands national team.