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Milan have received a huge financial lift after Tijjani Reijnders completed a high-value move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah. Although Manchester City have recovered a sizeable transfer fee, the agreement has activated a special clause that requires them to hand AC Milan a substantial bonus. The Italian side are now enjoying an outstanding financial return on a player they sold to the Premier League champions only a year ago.

Big-money Saudi move completed

As per Football Italia, Reijnders has officially left Manchester City to join Al-Qadsiah in a deal worth €61 million. The midfielder has put pen to paper on a lucrative five-year contract in the Middle East, with his wages reportedly set to exceed €100m across that spell. Al-Qadsiah announced the signing through a presentation video on X, in which Reijnders said: "I’m a Dutch artist; I’m a Qadsiah man." He departs England after making 50 appearances in all competitions for the club and winning two domestic cups during his short stay.

Milan activate clever clause

While Manchester City have still made a strong return on a player they bought for €55m a year ago, Milan are the biggest financial beneficiaries of the transfer. When the Italian club sold Reijnders last summer, they built in performance-based add-ons worth up to €14m. Most importantly, they also foresaw the possibility of an early exit and inserted a smart clause. Under that arrangement, if Manchester City sold Reijnders within the first year, they would be obliged to pay the full €14m package, irrespective of whether he met targets such as winning the Champions League or claiming the Ballon d'Or.

Huge profit for the Italian club

Manchester City were keen to wrap up the transfer quickly, but that urgency means they are now legally required to send the additional millions to Milan. With that final payment included, the overall fee Milan have received for Reijnders rises to nearly €70m. Italian reports add that Milan initially paid a reported €13m to sign Reijnders from AZ Alkmaar in the summer of 2023, which means the club have now made a massive overall profit of €56m.

What next for Reijnders?

Going forward, Reijnders will team up with new colleague Mateo Retegui under manager Brendan Rodgers. Al-Qadsiah are getting ready for their first-ever appearance in the AFC Champions League Elite. Reijnders may make his debut as soon as Friday, when the side take on Al-Ittihad in the second round of the Saudi Pro League.