Manchester City supporters have reacted strongly after the club reportedly agreed a deal with Saudi Arabian side Al Qadsiah for Tijjani Reijnders.
The news has produced a wide range of emotions among the City fanbase. Some supporters were disappointed to see the midfielder leave after such a short spell at the club. Others appeared ready to move on immediately, with several fans already looking toward the next potential departure.
The reaction to the latest Manchester City transfer development was particularly divided on X, where a City Xtra post prompted supporters to share their thoughts on Reijnders’ future.
For some, the decision makes sense from a financial and squad-building perspective. For others, it is difficult to understand why City would allow a player of Reijnders’ quality to leave so soon.
Manchester City fans react to Reijnders transfer
The first reaction from supporters was simply one of surprise.
One fan posted, “Bombaaaaaaa,” celebrating the development, while another appeared to connect the potential transfer fee with Manchester City’s pursuit of Enzo Fernández.
The comment, “yup… enzo funds,” summed up an important part of the reaction. Some supporters immediately viewed the Reijnders deal as part of a wider transfer strategy.
If Manchester City are preparing for further major business, the sale of Reijnders could provide additional funds and squad flexibility.
That is why not every supporter interpreted the news negatively.
One fan responded with “YESSS”, while others posted heart emojis or brief messages suggesting that they accepted the decision.
However, the reaction was far from unanimous.
Several supporters were clearly unhappy with the idea of losing Reijnders.
Some supporters are disappointed
Among the more negative reactions was a blunt “This is bullshit.”
Another fan simply described the situation as “Dissapointing”, while others responded with messages such as “Damn”, “Wtf” and “???”
Those responses highlight the uncertainty surrounding Reijnders’ departure.
For many City supporters, the midfielder has not been at the club long enough to establish himself fully. That makes the possibility of his exit difficult to understand.
Reijnders arrived with significant expectations. His technical ability, energy and versatility made him an attractive addition to Manchester City’s midfield.
However, football transfers are rarely decided purely on individual performances.
Squad balance, transfer opportunities, player ambitions and the manager’s tactical plans can all influence major decisions.
With Enzo Maresca now in charge at Manchester City, the squad is entering a new era. The Italian coach succeeded Pep Guardiola in June 2026 and is expected to make his own decisions about the players he wants to build around.
That could help explain why supporters are seeing such significant movement.
“Good luck Reindeer” sums up another side of the reaction
Not all Manchester City fans were angry about Reijnders leaving.
Several supporters took a more respectful approach.
One fan wrote “Best of luck man,” while another posted “Good luck Reindeer.”
Another supporter added, “Wish him all the best.”
Those messages show that some City fans are separating their feelings about the transfer from their feelings toward the player.
There is also a recognition that players can have their own ambitions.
If Reijnders is moving to Al Qadsiah, the decision could represent a major financial opportunity for the midfielder. Saudi Arabian clubs have become increasingly capable of attracting established European players with lucrative contracts.
For Manchester City, meanwhile, the deal could represent an opportunity to reshape the squad under Maresca.
Fans are already talking about Savinho
Perhaps the most revealing reaction came from a supporter who wrote:
“Goodbye tijani, savinho next.”
That comment is important because Reijnders’ possible departure is not being viewed in isolation.
Manchester City’s summer transfer window has already generated plenty of discussion about several players, including Savinho.
Some City supporters are therefore concerned that more departures could follow.
That fear was reflected in the reaction to the Reijnders news. Rather than focusing only on the midfielder, some fans immediately began wondering which player could be next.
The possibility of multiple departures creates a very different atmosphere around the club.
Supporters want to see a competitive squad under Maresca. If several first-team players leave, the club will need to ensure that replacements are secured.
Is Reijnders’ exit part of a bigger plan?
The most positive interpretation for Manchester City supporters is that the Reijnders deal forms part of a larger transfer strategy.
One fan’s reference to “enzo funds” is particularly interesting.
City have been linked with major midfield moves, and the club’s transfer business could be interconnected. Selling one player can create financial room for another signing.
That does not necessarily mean Reijnders is being sold specifically to finance another transfer. However, supporters naturally look at the bigger picture when major deals happen close together.
If Maresca has identified a different midfield profile as essential to his system, the manager may prefer to invest heavily in a player who fits his tactical vision.
That could eventually make the Reijnders decision easier to understand.
The short Reijnders spell adds to the surprise
Another reason for the strong reaction is the timing.
Manchester City supporters have barely had the opportunity to see Reijnders establish himself before the possibility of his departure emerged.
That naturally creates questions.
Why sign a player only to move him on quickly?
Was the original recruitment strategy changed?
Does Maresca have different ideas about the midfield?
Or is the Saudi interest simply too financially attractive for City to ignore?
Those questions will likely remain until more details about the agreement become clear.
For now, supporters can only judge the information available to them.
Not every fan sees the transfer as a disaster
Despite the disappointment expressed by some supporters, there is a clear section of the fanbase that appears comfortable with the move.
The “YESSS” reaction received significant engagement, while several others welcomed the development.
That suggests there is no universal belief that Reijnders must remain at the Etihad.
Some supporters may have expected him to struggle for a guaranteed starting position in a midfield containing several high-quality options.
Others may simply trust the club’s recruitment team and Maresca to identify the right players for the new era.
Manchester City have repeatedly demonstrated that squad evolution is essential at the highest level.
Players come and go. The challenge is making sure the overall quality of the squad does not decline.
Maresca’s influence will be under the spotlight
The biggest storyline may ultimately be about Maresca rather than Reijnders.
The new Manchester City boss inherited a squad built largely during Guardiola’s reign. He now has the responsibility of shaping it according to his own footballing philosophy.
That means difficult decisions are inevitable.
Reijnders could become one of the first major examples of Maresca putting his own stamp on the squad.
If the midfielder leaves and City subsequently bring in a player who becomes an important part of the new system, supporters may eventually view the decision differently.
However, if Reijnders thrives elsewhere, questions about the decision will inevitably return.
That is the risk attached to every major transfer.
Manchester City fans will now watch the next move
The reaction to Tijjani Reijnders’ agreed move to Al Qadsiah ultimately reflects a fanbase that is curious, surprised and divided.
Some supporters are saying goodbye and wishing him well.
Others are unhappy that Manchester City could lose the midfielder so quickly.
And another group is already looking at what comes next.
The biggest question is therefore no longer simply whether Reijnders will leave.
It is what Manchester City will do after his departure.
Will the club reinvest the money? Will Maresca bring in another midfielder? Could another established player leave? And will the manager’s new-look squad be stronger as a result?
Those questions will dominate the conversation among Manchester City fans.
For now, the message from supporters is clear: Reijnders’ potential departure has caught their attention, but many are already looking toward the next chapter of the Maresca era.
If the move to Al Qadsiah is completed, it could become one of the most significant early decisions of Manchester City’s new managerial era.
And judging by the reaction on X, supporters will be watching closely to see exactly what comes next.
