News Focus
- Atletico Madrid want to sign Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders
- The Dutch star moved to the Premier League from AC Milan last summer for €54.9m
- Reijnders scored seven goals and made eight assists in 47 matches for City
- Atletico have already agreed to sign Joao Gomes from Wolves this summer
- Enzo Maresca will become the new manager at Manchester City next season
Atletico Madrid have started talks with Manchester City about a possible transfer for midfielder Tijjani Reijnders. The Spanish club hope to improve their squad before the new season starts.
The Madrid team had many injury problems in the centre of the pitch last year. New signings Alex Baena and Johnny Cardoso could not play regularly because they were often hurt. Club captain Koke had to play many matches, while young player Pablo Barrios also missed games through fitness issues.
Atletico have already made one signing for this area. They have reached an agreement with Wolverhampton Wanderers to bring Joao Gomes to the club. In January, they also bought Obed Vargas and Rodrigo Mendoza, but these players are young and might go out on loan next season.
According to reports from RadioMarca journalist Matteo Moretto, Atletico want more quality in midfield. They have now contacted Manchester City about Reijnders. The Dutch international only joined the Premier League champions from AC Milan twelve months ago in a deal worth €54.9 million.
Reijnders played 47 games for City in his first season, scoring seven times and creating eight goals for others. However, he only started about half of these matches. Manager Pep Guardiola often used him as a substitute near the end of the campaign.
The 27-year-old brings strong technical skills and can run forward with the ball when under pressure. This style is similar to Pablo Barrios at Atletico. Reijnders is now entering the best years of his career.
New manager Enzo Maresca will take charge at Manchester City this summer. He may allow several players to leave, and Reijnders could be one of them. Real Madrid showed interest in the player before his move to England last year.