Al-Qadsiah Nears €60m Reijnders Signing Ahead of Roshn League Debut

Al-Ittihad may be the first Saudi side to feel the full force of Tijjani Reijnders in the Roshn League – but only if Al-Qadsiah and Brendan Rodgers give the green light in time.

Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat reports that Al-Qadsiah have reached a full agreement with Manchester City to sign the Netherlands midfielder in a deal worth €60 million this summer. The clubs have settled every detail, leaving Reijnders effectively an Al-Qadsiah player in all but official announcement.

The plan is clear. The 28-year-old is scheduled to land in Saudi Arabia on Monday, where he will complete the final formalities of his move and be unveiled as the club’s new centerpiece.

Immediate Test

Then comes the immediate test.

If the paperwork and fitness checks go smoothly, Reijnders’ first appearance could arrive as soon as Friday, when Al-Qadsiah face Al-Ittihad in the second round of the Roshn League. Whether that happens is down to Rodgers, the Irish coach tasked with blending a high-profile new signing into a side gearing up for the biggest season in its history.

Reijnders only joined Manchester City from Milan last summer, but he made his presence felt in England. He featured in 50 matches across all competitions, scoring 7 goals and supplying 8 assists – numbers that underline why Al-Qadsiah were willing to push so hard, and pay so much, to bring him in.

This is not a vanity signing. Al-Qadsiah are reshaping their squad with intent, building depth and quality as they prepare for their first-ever campaign in the AFC Champions League Elite. The club wants a midfield leader who can dictate games at continental level.

If Reijnders walks out against Al-Ittihad on Friday, the Roshn League will get an early look at just how serious they are.