Man City Launch €60M Bid for AC Milan Star Tijjani Reijnders as Pep Guardiola’s Midfield Rebuild Begins

Manchester City are closing in on their first major summer signing, and it’s a player Pep Guardiola has personally requested to lead their midfield rebuild – Tijjani Reijnders of AC Milan.

After a disappointing 2024/25 season where City looked tired and short of energy, changes are coming fast. Long-serving stars like Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker are on their way out, and City are getting serious about building a fresher, stronger squad for the new campaign.

And that starts with central midfield – an area Guardiola feels needs a serious upgrade.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Reijnders is Pep’s top target to play as a box-to-box midfielder – someone who can run, pass, and control the pace of games. Romano revealed on his YouTube channel that City have already sent a first official bid worth €60 million to AC Milan.

That offer was rejected, but talks are still moving forward. City are determined to sign Reijnders and want to wrap up the deal quickly so he can be part of their squad for the Club World Cup, which starts on June 14.

Romano said:

“Man City are advancing in negotiations to sign Tijjani Reijnders. They want him for the Club World Cup, so as soon as possible. First bid has been sent, around €60m. Milan want more, but the two clubs are talking.”

The Dutch midfielder has already shown strong interest in the move. Reports from Sky Sports Switzerland say he has agreed personal terms, and The Daily Mail added that Reijnders has even cancelled his summer holiday to prepare for the transfer.

AC Milan are believed to value Reijnders at around €90 million, according to TEAMtalk, but City are not expected to pay that full amount. The Mail reports that a bid of €66 million could be enough to get the deal done – meaning City’s opening offer is only €6 million short.

Talks are ongoing, and both sides are hopeful that an agreement will be reached soon.

It’s worth noting that Reijnders won’t be the only midfield signing this summer. City are also looking for a more attacking No. 10 style player to replace Kevin De Bruyne long-term.

But for now, all eyes are on Reijnders – a player with the energy, intelligence, and technical quality Guardiola believes City badly need.

With Champions League ambitions, a Club World Cup trophy on the line, and a Premier League title to reclaim, City are moving fast to give Guardiola the tools he needs.