Manchester City are set to undergo a rebuild under Pep Guardiola with the Spanish coach desperate to reclaim the Premier League in 2026.
While the Citizens are monitoring several players across different positions, one area where they desperately need to work on is midfield. Club legend Kevin de Bruyne is all set to leave the club at the end of the season and they need someone with similar profile to the Belgian.
As per reports from Fabrizio Romano, City have identified AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders as a perfect new No.8. The team management believe the Dutchman could be the ideal De Bruyne replacement if they manage to land him.
Previous reports suggest City do not want to disrespect the player’s dedication to Milan and will only initiate talks after the end of the season.
Guardiola is a big admirer of Reijnders and City are looking to step up their pursuit with his technical ability and adaptability able to potentially ease the absence of De Bruyne.
City are also looking at Nottingham Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White as an alternative to replace De Bruyne, and it could be a coin toss between the two midfielders, or they may sign both to play different roles in midfield.
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Can Reijnders replace KDB?
Reijnders joined AC Milan in 2023 from AZ Alkmaar for €20.5m [$23m]. Since then, he has hardly put a step wrong for the Rossoneri, as one of their few bright lights for Milan this season.
? No central midfielder has scored more than Manchester City target Tijjani Reijnders this season across the top five leagues pic.twitter.com/U2OwBN7sCs
— Transfermarkt.co.uk (@TMuk_news) May 14, 2025
Known for his passing range, vision and progressive carries, the 26-year-old has admitted he models his game on De Bruyne.
“As I got older, I looked up to Kevin De Bruyne… I watched his games, YouTube clips, especially the way he scans the pitch before he gets the ball,” he told The Athletic.
“He always knows where the space is, and I try to do the same.”
Since joining Milan, he’s mustered up 102 appearances, scored 19 goals and provided seven assists. This season, he has racked up 10 goals and laid five assists in 52 matches across competitions.
Although City may use him as a De Bruyne re-gen, his stats are more similar to Ilkay Gundogan. As per FBref, Reijnders has registered 3.18 progressive carries, 6.26 progressive passes, 3.15 shot-creating actions and 1.04 successful take-ons per 90 minutes in 2024/25.
Standing at 6’1, Reijnders also brings a lot of physicality, which gives him the upper hand in winning duels and retaining possession for his team.
Replacing De Bruyne won’t be easy, the Dutchman has qualities Man City desperately need in midfield. So he could be a great addition to Guardiola’s system if he decides to make the move.
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