Tijjani Reijnders could be one of the most surprising names to leave Manchester City before the transfer window closes, with Nottingham Forest reportedly weighing up a move for the Dutch midfielder.
After arriving from AC Milan just over a year ago, Reijnders now finds himself at the centre of fresh transfer speculation. Reports suggest Forest are interested in bringing the 28-year-old to the City Ground, while Manchester City have already established the fee they would want before considering a sale.
With Enzo Maresca beginning to reshape his squad ahead of the new campaign, Reijnders’ future is becoming one of the more intriguing storylines of the summer.
The latest development
According to a report from Mail Sport, Nottingham Forest have identified Reijnders as a potential addition to strengthen their midfield before the transfer deadline.
The report claims the Netherlands international is open to leaving the Etihad Stadium despite only joining the club in the summer of 2025.
Manchester City, meanwhile, are said to value the midfielder at around £60 million, meaning any interested club would need to submit a significant offer before negotiations could progress.
While Forest’s interest has emerged, there is currently no indication that a formal bid has been lodged.
Reijnders’ first year at Manchester City
Reijnders arrived from AC Milan for a fee reported to be around £35 million after establishing himself as one of Serie A’s standout midfielders.
Expectations were high when he made the switch to the Premier League, and he enjoyed a respectable debut season in Manchester.
Across 26 appearances, the Dutch international contributed five goals and two assists, showing flashes of the attacking quality and composure on the ball that made him such an attractive signing.
However, opportunities became increasingly limited during the closing stages of Pep Guardiola’s final campaign in charge.
Competition for places intensified, making it more difficult for Reijnders to secure regular starts despite several encouraging performances.
Increased competition under Maresca
The challenge of earning consistent minutes has only become greater this summer.
Manchester City’s midfield options have been strengthened further following the arrival of Elliot Anderson in a deal worth £116 million.
Combined with the depth already available at the Etihad Stadium, Reijnders faces fierce competition for a starting role as Maresca prepares for his first campaign in charge.
Director of football Hugo Viana has assembled one of the strongest midfield groups in the Premier League, giving the new City manager plenty of options but also creating difficult selection decisions.
Although Reijnders featured in City’s recent pre-season draw against Inter, uncertainty remains over where he fits into Maresca’s long-term plans.
Why Nottingham Forest are interested
Forest’s interest is understandable given their recent transfer activity.
Following the sale of Elliot Anderson, the club are in the market for an experienced midfielder capable of making an immediate impact in the Premier League.
Reijnders would offer exactly that.
Having already adapted to English football during his first season with Manchester City, he could arrive without the lengthy settling-in period often required for players moving from overseas.
His technical ability, work rate and versatility would also appear to suit Nuno Espírito Santo’s style of play.
The report suggests Forest believe the midfielder could become an important figure in their squad should a deal prove financially achievable.
Why City could consider a sale
From Manchester City’s perspective, selling Reijnders would not necessarily represent a loss.
The reported £60 million valuation is considerably higher than the fee City paid AC Milan just 12 months ago, meaning the club could generate a healthy profit if their asking price is met.
It would also create additional space within an already crowded midfield department while reducing the wage bill as Maresca continues shaping his squad.
Given the level of competition for places, City may decide reinvesting those funds elsewhere represents better long-term value if Reijnders is unlikely to become a regular starter.
That said, there is no suggestion the club are actively pushing the midfielder towards the exit door.
Plenty still to be decided
Despite the growing speculation, several key questions remain unanswered.
Forest’s interest has yet to develop into a formal offer, while City are under no pressure to sell a player who remains under contract until 2030.
Equally, Maresca is still in the early stages of assessing his squad during pre-season, meaning performances over the coming weeks could influence decisions before the transfer window closes.
If Reijnders impresses during City’s remaining friendlies, his role within the squad could yet change.
For now, though, the midfielder appears to be among the players attracting attention as clubs across the Premier League look to strengthen before the new season begins.
What this means for City
Reijnders’ situation highlights the strength in depth Manchester City now possess under Enzo Maresca. With fierce competition across midfield, difficult decisions are inevitable, and players who featured regularly last season may find themselves facing uncertain futures.
Should Nottingham Forest follow up their interest with a serious offer close to City’s reported valuation, the club will have a significant decision to make. A profitable sale would provide greater flexibility in the transfer market, but it would also mean losing an experienced midfielder with proven quality.
As things stand, Reijnders remains a Manchester City player, but his future is one to watch closely during the remainder of the summer transfer window.
