Tijjani Reijnders: City Plot 'Strength In Depth' As Player Eyes PL Dream

Sports Football

Posted by AI on 2025-08-15 04:12:02 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-14 14:18:44

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Tijjani Reijnders has expressed his excitement ahead of his impending debut in the Premier League, a dream he describes as a "big step" in his career. The youngster joins Manchester City from AZ Alkmaar in a deal reported to be worth up to 10m, a club record for the Dutch side. Having impressed for the Dutch club across the last three seasons, the 20-year-old looks to provide strength in depth to the Sky Blues' options in the centre of defence under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola. In an exclusive with JioHotstar, Reijnders spoke of the opportunity to play under the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager, stating it to be a privilege: "It's a dream for every football player to perform at the highest level of competition, to play for a top club. I think Manchester City is one of those clubs so I'm really happy to be here."

The Dutchman also touched upon the influence of Guardiola, who has won 30 major trophies during his managerial career to date. "He's a manager every football player wants to work with, I think. The way he builds his teams is really amazing I think he's a genius in that way, the way he understands football and the way he wants to play football. I think it's a privilege for every football player to work with him so I'm really happy that I can work with him as well."

Reijnders will be hopeful that he can establish himself in Manchester and earn a consistent run of games, something that he has excelled with in the past. The Dutch defender has made over 100 appearances for AZ Alkmaar across three seasons, including a standout campaign in 2021/22 where he featured in the UEFA Europa League and helped his side to a domestic cup final. With the future looking bright for the Premier League newcomer, Reijnders outlined his ambitions for the future, saying: "I want to help the team to win as many trophies as possible, but I also want to grow as a football player that's most important for me."

With the riches of domestic and continental success seemingly within arm's length for the Premier League's elite, Reijnders' arrival in Manchester may signal the beginnings of a hunt for trophies on multiple fronts for the Sky Blues.

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