Reijnders admits money influenced controversial move from Manchester City to Al-Qadsiah

Tijjani Reijnders has acknowledged that financial considerations played a significant part in his controversial move from Manchester City to Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah last summer.

The Netherlands midfielder told NOS that Al-Qadsiah was the only club prepared to meet Manchester City’s asking price, with the Saudi side eventually paying about 60m euros for his transfer.

Asked whether Al-Qadsiah was the sole club willing to offer a fee Manchester City would accept, Reijnders replied, as reported by Dutch outlet Voetbalzone: “Yes, actually it was.”

He said there had been interest from elsewhere, but those opportunities either collapsed or failed to progress because of the transfer fee.

“There were other options, but they did not materialise or they got stuck at the asking price,” Reijnders said.

Reijnders’ future at Manchester City appeared uncertain after the club brought in three midfielders – Elliott Anderson, Ayoub Bouaddi and Enzo Fernandez. City subsequently allowed several players to leave as they sought to cover the cost of those deals.

The Dutchman had been negotiating with Atletico Madrid, but the two clubs ultimately failed to agree a fee. Al-Qadsiah, however, were willing to pay Manchester City’s valuation.

Reijnders said he eventually had to choose between remaining at City while unhappy or taking on a new challenge.

“In the end, I started thinking: do I want to stay another season at Manchester City without being completely happy, or do I choose a new adventure?” he said.

“Then I spoke to Al-Qadsiah and the manager. After that conversation, I became very excited.”

The 27-year-old was also asked whether he had simply moved to Saudi Arabia to make money.

“No, but you cannot deny it either,” he said.

“Anyone should try refusing the salary being offered there, whether they are a footballer or any other person. We can all pretend to have high moral standards and say, ‘I would never do that’, but I think most people would say yes for that amount of money.”

Reports have suggested Reijnders will earn 100m euros over five years in Saudi Arabia. He also discussed his substantial salary with SBS6, admitting that the deal had given him long-term financial security.

“Money certainly played a part in it,” he said. “After my football career, I do not want to work again. I would not have needed to after leaving Manchester City anyway, but now I can also help the next generations of my family.”

“I chose security. I will not lie about that. If my grandchildren can live from this, why would I not do it?”

Reijnders has been called up by Netherlands manager Xavi for the national team’s upcoming international matches.

He rejected the suggestion that moving to Saudi Arabia marked the end of his playing career.

“I think many people believe a player’s career ends when they move to Saudi Arabia, but that is not true,” he said.