Al Qadsiah have agreed a deal with Manchester City for Tijjani Reijnders, with the Netherlands midfielder set to begin his Saudi Pro League career against Al-Ittihad next Friday.
The agreement, reported by Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, is understood to have been completed after the two clubs settled all the details of a transfer worth €60m.
Reijnders is expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia on Monday to complete his move to Al Qadsiah. The transfer is not yet being described as fully official, but the 28-year-old is set to become an Al Qadsiah player once the final formalities have been concluded.
His first opportunity to play for his new club could come only a few days later, when Al Qadsiah face Al-Ittihad in the second round of the Roshn Saudi League on Friday.
Whether Reijnders features in that match will be decided by Al Qadsiah manager Brendan Rodgers. The Republic of Ireland coach will determine if the midfielder is ready to make his debut so soon after arriving in the country and completing the transfer.
Reijnders joined Manchester City during last summer’s transfer window after moving from AC Milan. He made 50 appearances for the club, scoring seven goals and providing eight assists.
His proposed move to Al Qadsiah follows advanced negotiations between the Saudi club and Manchester City, which had been reported during the current summer transfer window. The agreement would bring an end to Reijnders’ time in England after one season with Manchester City.
Al Qadsiah are continuing to strengthen their squad significantly ahead of the new campaign. The club are preparing for their first appearance in the AFC Champions League Elite, adding further importance to their recruitment plans.
The arrival of Reijnders would give Rodgers another high-profile midfield option as Al Qadsiah begin a season that includes both domestic competition and their historic continental debut. However, his immediate involvement remains dependent on the manager’s decision and the completion of the transfer arrangements.
Al-Ittihad would provide a prominent setting for Reijnders’ potential first appearance in Saudi football, with the fixture scheduled for the second round of the league. If selected, the midfielder could make his Al Qadsiah debut against the club that will provide the opening test of his new career in the Roshn Saudi League.
