Reijnders says Manchester City role and finances led to £51m Al Qadsiah move

Tijjani Reijnders says his decision to leave Manchester City after only one season was shaped by concerns over his position in the team and the financial rewards available in Saudi Arabia.

The Netherlands midfielder joined Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah in a £51m move after becoming uncertain during pre-season that he would be allowed to play in his preferred role.

Reijnders had wanted to operate between defence and attack, but feared he would again be used in a more advanced midfield position, as he had been during his time at City.

“I started thinking about whether I wanted another season like that,” he said. “The honest answer was no. I wanted to look elsewhere.”

The 28-year-old initially had reservations about moving to Saudi Arabia, with concerns that the transfer could be regarded as a move away from the highest level of European football.

However, those doubts were eased by Al Qadsiah manager Brendan Rodgers. Reijnders said Rodgers told him he could spend several seasons in Saudi Arabia before considering a possible return to Europe.

“That is my goal too,” Reijnders said, adding that other established players had already followed a similar path.

Reijnders also rejected the idea that the Saudi Pro League should be dismissed without people first watching its matches.

He acknowledged that money was another important factor in his decision. Reports have valued his contract with Al Qadsiah at about 20 million euros per year.

“You can always play the moralist, but I think everyone would say yes to that,” Reijnders said.

The midfielder said the agreement would allow him to protect his family’s financial position beyond his playing career.

“I don’t want to have to work anymore after my career,” he added. “Now I can also set up future generations of my family well.”

Although his move brings his Manchester City career to an end after just one season, Reijnders has not ruled out returning to European football at a later stage.