Dutch footballer Tijjani Reijnders has shed light on his recent transfer to the Saudi Pro League, citing a desire to secure financial stability for his family. The 28-year-old midfielder joined Al Qadsiah from Manchester City in August 2026 on a four-year contract reportedly worth €100 million. Reijnders emphasized that the lucrative offer was too good to pass up, as it guarantees financial security for generations of his family. He expressed his satisfaction with the move, stating it will allow him to focus on his career without worrying about his family's financial future.
Reijnders' transfer to Al Qadsiah was a significant coup for the Saudi Pro League, which has been attracting high-profile players in recent years. The midfielder revealed that conversations with Al Qadsiah manager Brendan Rodgers played a crucial role in his decision to join the club. Rodgers reportedly convinced Reijnders that he could spend three to four years in the Middle East before potentially returning to European football. This assurance seems to have alleviated Reijnders' concerns about leaving European football behind.
The financial terms of Reijnders' contract have been a subject of interest, with the midfielder openly discussing the benefits of his deal. He stated that the transfer will enable him to secure the future of his grandchildren, emphasizing that the financial incentives were too good to pass up. Reijnders' comments highlight the growing influence of financial considerations in football, with many players prioritizing long-term financial security.
Reijnders also touched on his tactical frustration at Manchester City, which contributed to his decision to leave the club. The midfielder revealed that he was often deployed in advanced central roles, which did not align with his preferred box-to-box position. This tactical disagreement led to Reijnders seeking a departure from the Etihad Stadium. During his time at Manchester City, Reijnders made 50 appearances and won both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
Despite criticism about the standard of football in the Saudi Pro League, Reijnders defended the league, rating it above the Dutch Eredivisie. He encouraged critics to watch matches before judging the league, suggesting that they would be pleasantly surprised. Reijnders' endorsement of the Saudi Pro League could help to shift perceptions about the league's quality and competitiveness.
Reijnders' transfer to Al Qadsiah follows a growing trend of high-profile players joining the Saudi Pro League. The league has attracted several top players in recent years, offering lucrative contracts and a chance to experience a new footballing environment. For Reijnders, the move represents a new chapter in his career, one that he believes will bring financial security and personal fulfillment.
The transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, was the first to break the news of Reijnders' comments on social media. According to Romano, Reijnders stated that the transfer will provide "money for generations of my family." This statement highlights the midfielder's priorities and provides insight into the motivations behind his decision to join Al Qadsiah. Reijnders' move is set to have a significant impact on the footballing landscape, with many players and clubs taking note of the lucrative offers being made by Saudi Pro League clubs.
Key points
- Tijjani Reijnders joined Al Qadsiah from Manchester City in August 2026 on a four-year contract reportedly worth €100 million.
