Manchester City fans have delivered a mixed response to the news that Tijjani Reijnders is heading to Saudi Arabia to complete his move to Al Qadsiah.
The Netherlands international is reportedly travelling with his family as he prepares to complete his Manchester City exit in a deal worth around €61 million. The development has prompted plenty of discussion among City supporters, with reactions ranging from disappointment to acceptance.
For some fans, Reijnders’ departure is simply another example of a player choosing a lucrative opportunity. Others believe Manchester City should have retained the midfielder and questioned the club’s decision-making in allowing him to leave.
The reaction to the transfer was particularly interesting because supporters do not appear united on whether Reijnders’ departure is a major mistake.
Man City fans divided over Reijnders departure
Reijnders only joined Manchester City recently, making his reported move to Al Qadsiah an intriguing development.
His departure has therefore surprised sections of the fanbase. Several supporters appear to believe the midfielder still had something to offer under new manager Enzo Maresca.
One supporter summed up the frustration by suggesting that Reijnders had effectively chosen financial security over continuing to prove himself at the highest level.
That view was echoed by the comment: “Bro chased the bag instead of backing himself.”
It is a blunt assessment, but it reflects one side of the debate surrounding the transfer.
Saudi Arabia has become an increasingly attractive destination for established footballers, offering significant financial incentives. From that perspective, some City supporters can understand why Reijnders would consider the opportunity.
Another fan simply wrote “Money Talks”, highlighting the financial motivation they believe sits behind the transfer.
However, not everyone was critical.
One supporter told Reijnders to “Get that bag big bro”, while another offered a more traditional farewell message, saying they wished him success and good fortune.
Those reactions demonstrate that there is still considerable goodwill towards the player.
“We still employ Kovacic”
Perhaps the biggest theme running through the City fan reaction was not necessarily anger at Reijnders.
Instead, supporters questioned the club’s midfield situation.
One fan wrote: “We still employ kovacic.”
Another added: “Kovajeans still here.”
The frustration appears to stem from the belief that Manchester City are letting Reijnders leave while still retaining Mateo Kovacic.
For those supporters, the decision raises questions about squad planning. If City believe Reijnders is surplus to requirements, they want to understand why other midfield options remain part of the squad.
Another supporter took the argument further, saying they wished the club had moved on Kovacic and Ruben Dias instead.
That reaction shows how divided the fanbase has become over Manchester City’s squad management.
Of course, supporter opinions on social media do not necessarily reflect the club’s thinking. A player’s role depends on tactical requirements, finances, contracts and the manager’s plans.
Still, the repeated references to Kovacic indicate that Reijnders’ potential departure has reopened an existing debate among City supporters.
Some fans fear a difficult season
Not every reaction was focused on Reijnders himself.
Some supporters used the transfer as evidence of what they see as wider concerns about Manchester City’s squad-building strategy.
One particularly pessimistic reaction claimed it was going to be a “disaster season.”
Another supporter directly criticised football director Hugo Viana, suggesting that he could become responsible for the club’s downfall.
Such comments underline the pressure surrounding City’s transfer decisions.
The summer has brought significant changes around the club. With Maresca now in charge following Pep Guardiola’s departure in June 2026, supporters are naturally paying close attention to every incoming and outgoing transfer.
A major player leaving can therefore be viewed through the wider lens of the new era.
For some supporters, Reijnders leaving is not simply about losing one midfielder. It represents another decision that will be judged against Maresca’s ability to build a successful Manchester City team.
Others have no problem with the transferAll the best Tijjani
Despite the criticism, a significant section of supporters appear comfortable with Reijnders leaving.
The messages wishing him well were among the more positive reactions to the news.
One fan described him as a “family man”, while another simply said: “.”
That is an important part of the reaction.
Not every City supporter believes the transfer represents a crisis. Some appear to accept that footballers have short careers and that a major financial opportunity can be difficult to reject.
If Reijnders and his family have decided that Saudi Arabia is the right destination, supporters may simply prefer to thank him and move forward.
The reported €61m transfer fee could also soften the disappointment.
From Manchester City’s perspective, receiving a substantial fee for a player who is leaving relatively quickly gives the club financial flexibility.
That money could potentially be redirected towards other areas of the squad.
“Where the hell is Bouaddi?”
Another interesting aspect of the reaction was the number of fans already looking towards potential midfield alternatives.
One supporter asked: “Where the hell is Bouaddi?”
The comment refers to Ayyoub Bouaddi, a highly rated young midfielder who has been linked with Manchester City.
The reaction demonstrates how quickly supporters move from discussing an outgoing player to considering who should replace him.
For City fans who are unhappy about Reijnders leaving, the arrival of another midfielder could provide reassurance.
For the club, however, replacing an established player is never simply about signing another name.
Maresca will need midfielders who fit his tactical ideas and can contribute immediately. The balance between experience and youth will be particularly important during a period of transition.
Is Reijnders’ departure a mistake?
That may ultimately depend on what Manchester City do next.
If City replace Reijnders with a younger or more suitable midfielder who becomes an important part of Maresca’s team, supporters may quickly forget the controversy surrounding his departure.
If the club fails to strengthen the midfield and performances suffer, however, the decision will inevitably face greater scrutiny.
The €61m fee is also significant. Manchester City have the opportunity to use that money intelligently and address other areas that require strengthening.
The concern among some fans is therefore less about the financial value of the deal and more about whether the squad will be stronger after the transfer.
A new era under Enzo Maresca
The Reijnders situation also arrives at an important moment for Manchester City.
Maresca’s first season as manager will naturally be judged against the extraordinary standards established during Guardiola’s reign.
That makes every transfer decision more significant.
The new manager needs a squad capable of competing for major trophies while also adapting to his footballing ideas. If Reijnders is leaving, the responsibility will fall on Maresca and the club’s recruitment team to ensure the midfield remains competitive.
For now, City supporters appear split.
Some believe Reijnders should have stayed and continued to prove himself at the highest level. Others see nothing wrong with a player securing a lucrative move late in his career.
Then there are supporters whose biggest frustration is that Kovacic remains at the club.
That combination of opinions makes the reaction to the Tijjani Reijnders Man City exit particularly revealing.
Man City fans will be watching the next move
Reijnders’ journey to Saudi Arabia appears to signal the final stage of his Manchester City exit.
The reported €61m move to Al Qadsiah will bring an end to his time at the Etihad, but the discussion among City supporters is unlikely to disappear immediately.
The biggest question now is what Manchester City do with the money and how Maresca shapes his midfield.
If a new signing arrives and makes an immediate impact, the Reijnders decision could eventually look like sensible squad management.
If the midfield struggles, those fans questioning the decision will have plenty of ammunition.
For now, the City fanbase remains divided.
Some are disappointed.
Some are worried.
Some want other players moved on first.
And others simply want Tijjani Reijnders to take the money, enjoy the next chapter of his career and leave Manchester City with their best wishes.
Whatever happens next, his reported €61m move to Al Qadsiah has certainly given City supporters plenty to debate as the Maresca era continues.
