When Tijjani Reijnders swapped the San Siro for the Etihad Stadium in June 2025, Manchester City fans had every reason to be excited. The £45 million signing from AC Milan made an explosive Premier League debut, scoring and assisting in a dominant 4-0 win over Wolves on opening day. It was the kind of performance that instantly justified the investment—a seamless integration into Pep Guardiola's high-octane system.
Fast forward to now, and the narrative has shifted. The Dutch international, who turns 28 this summer, has seen his influence wane. Despite a promising start, Reijnders has struggled for consistent game time in 2026, with Rayan Cherki emerging as Guardiola's primary creative force. The midfield pecking order has tightened, and Reijnders has found himself on the fringes.
Enter Juventus. According to reports from Tuttomercatoweb (via Sport Witness), the Serie A giants are circling. Manager Luciano Spalletti is reportedly "fascinated" by the prospect of bringing Reijnders back to Italy, viewing him as a key piece in a midfield rebuild for the 2026-27 season. The Old Lady's interest is serious, and they believe Manchester City would listen to offers—especially if the price is right.
Here's where it gets interesting: City signed Reijnders for £45 million just over a year ago, and he remains under contract until 2030. However, sources suggest that an offer exceeding that initial fee could tempt director of football Hugo Viana to cash in. Reijnders' reported €7 million annual salary also adds a layer of complexity to any potential deal, as does Guardiola's own uncertain future at the club.
On the surface, it seems inconceivable that City would part ways with a player who thrived so early in his tenure. But football moves fast, and the numbers don't lie—Reijnders' recent dip in form and minutes suggests he may be closer to the exit door than many expected. For Juventus, this could be a golden opportunity to bring back a proven Serie A talent. For Manchester City, it's a decision that will test their long-term strategy.