City’s Reijnders Deal Spells Trouble for Grealish

MANCHESTER, England  — Manchester City have agreed to a €46 million (A$96 million) deal with AC Milan for Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, while England international Jack Grealish appears set to miss selection for the upcoming Club World Cup.

The 26-year-old Reijnders has agreed to a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, with only formalities remaining to complete what would be City’s first major signing of the summer transfer window. The midfielder scored 15 goals for Milan last season despite their disappointing eighth-place Serie A finish.

Midfield Reinforcement

Reijnders’ arrival comes as:

• Direct replacement for departed legend Kevin De Bruyne

• Upgrade to City’s creative midfield options

• Potential system change for Pep Guardiola’s side

“Reijnders offers the technical quality and tactical intelligence that Pep demands,” said City insider David Mooney. “His versatility to play as both an 8 and 10 makes him ideal for City’s system.”

Grealish’s Uncertain Future

The signing has immediate consequences for:

• Jack Grealish (29) – Left out of recent matchday squads

• Made only 7 Premier League starts last season

• Omitted from initial 35-man Club World Cup roster

• £100m signing in 2021 now facing uncertain future

Club World Cup Context

Other Premier League news:

• Chelsea sign Liam Delap (£30m) from Ipswich

• Mateo Kovačić ruled out (Achilles surgery)

• Tournament begins June 18 vs. Wydad AC