Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has revealed he spoke to Manchester City officials about Tijjani Reijnders a few months ago as the Blues firmed up plans to revamp their midfield.
Koeman didn’t say whether Pep Guardiola had called him directly, or whether Txiki Begiristain or Hugo Viana had checked in, but he confirmed City had spoken to him as they made calls to assess Reijnders before pressing ahead with a summer move. Guardiola and Koeman have a long history, having played together at Barcelona.
Tijjani Reijnders transfer plan confirmed as medical booked and Man City sent clear message
Manchester City are set to sign Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan and his medical will take place tomorrow before finalising a move to the Etihad.
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Manchester City spoke to Dutch boss Ronald Koeman about Tijjani Reijnders
Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has revealed he spoke to Manchester City officials about Tijjani Reijnders a few months ago as the Blues firmed up plans to revamp their midfield.
Koeman didn’t say whether Pep Guardiola had called him directly, or whether Txiki Begiristain or Hugo Viana had checked in, but he confirmed City had spoken to him as they made calls to assess Reijnders before pressing ahead with a summer move. Guardiola and Koeman have a long history, having played together at Barcelona.
The 22-cap Dutch international is set to sign a five-year deal at the Etihad after City agreed a £46.3million fee with AC Milan, and Reijnders will become the first summer signing in what is set to be a big window.
He is set to add to his international haul on Saturday night when he plays for Koeman’s side against Finland in Helsinki in a World Cup qualifier, but the Dutch boss confirmed he will then fly to Manchester to have his medical on Sunday.
Reijnders will then return to the Netherlands camp for their World Cup qualifier against Malta in Groningen on Tuesday. He is leaving camp between the two fixtures to ensure the switch to City goes through before Tuesday’s deadline for signing players so clubs can add them to their squads for the Club World Cup.
While Koeman confirmed the plan for Reijnders, he also revealed he had recommended more of his international squad to City, although for now, the 26-year-old midfielder seems to be top of the shopping list at the Etihad.
That’s a great step for him,” said Koeman. “They called me a few months ago. I’ve mentioned more, but it seems to be limited to one. Tijjani has developed very well.”
The move was also backed by Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, who plays alongside Reijnders for the Netherlands and will come up against him in the Premier League next season.
“He has already proven it at AC Milan. He can now show it at Manchester City,” said Gakpo. “I definitely think he can do it. Just hope he doesn’t do too well.”
