Manchester City have reportedly agreed to sell Netherlands midfielder Tijjani Reijnders to Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiyah for €60 million. The proposed deal would trigger a lucrative sell-on clause benefiting former club AC Milan, though the transfer remains subject to the player’s personal approval.
The Rossoneri inserted a specific financial safeguard when they sold Reijnders to City last summer for an initial €55 million. That agreement included up to €14 million in performance-related bonuses, contingent on targets ranging from Champions League qualification to Ballon d’Or victories. However, Milan also secured a clause ensuring the full €14 million becomes payable if City resell the midfielder within his first year at the Etihad Stadium, irrespective of whether the on-pitch conditions are satisfied.
Player’s decision pending
While City appear willing to sanction the €60 million departure just months after the player’s arrival, Reijnders himself has not yet agreed to the transfer. The 28-year-old may prefer to continue his career in European competition, particularly given interest from several continental clubs.
Nottingham Forest, Galatasaray and Juventus have all been linked with moves for the Dutch international. This alternative interest gives Reijnders leverage to delay or reject the Saudi proposal while waiting for offers from leagues with higher UEFA coefficients.
Financial implications for Milan
Should Reijnders leave Manchester this summer—regardless of his destination—the clause would activate the additional €14 million payment to Milan. This would increase the total income from the midfielder’s sale to €69 million, representing excellent business for the Serie A club.
The situation highlights how modern transfer strategies increasingly rely on complex resale clauses. For Milan, City’s apparent willingness to move Reijnders on rapidly transforms potential long-term bonuses into immediate guaranteed revenue, strengthening their position in the current transfer window.