Tijjani Reijnders has shown Kevin De Bruyne respect after his £46.5 million ($63m) Manchester City switch and outlined his path with the Citizens.
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Reijnders joins Man City for £46.5m from MilanSays he’s “not here to replace” De BruyneExcited to learn under Pep GuardiolaFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Manchester City have signed Reijnders from AC Milan in a £46.5 million deal, just after De Bruyne called time on his glittering decade in Manchester to join Napoli. The Dutchman arrives after being named the best midfielder in Serie A and joins a City side looking to refresh its midfield options under Pep Guardiola.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
With De Bruyne departing, comparisons were inevitable — but Reijnders was quick to shut them down. While he openly admires the Belgian and has studied his game closely, the Dutchman has claimed that he is focused on forging his own identity. Reijnders also cited Spain and Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta as another key influence on his style of play.
Getty Images SportWHAT REIJNDERS SAID
Speaking to club media, Reijnders said: "I'm not here to replace him [De Bruyne]. I have to play my own game. But I take things from different players… with Kevin De Bruyne, how he was scanning the pitch, the passes he gave.
"That’s also a big thing, of course – the best coach in the world. I am very eager to learn new things here and the style of playing, and that’s what I’m looking forward to."
WHAT NEXT FOR REIJNDERS?
The 26-year-old is expected to slot into City's midfield rotation during the Club World Cup in the United States, with his competitive debut likely soon. The post-De Bruyne era has begun at City — but with Reijnders, the eight-time Premier League champions believe they’ve landed a star for the future.