Tijjani Reijnders has openly admitted the financial rewards influenced his decision to leave Manchester City for Al-Qadsiah, although the Netherlands midfielder does not believe his move to Saudi Arabia has closed the door on European football.
Reijnders left City during the summer after Al-Qadsiah agreed to pay around €61million for the midfielder. Atlético Madrid and Juventus were also interested, but according to NOS neither European club could meet City's financial demands.
The 28-year-old is reportedly able to earn as much as €100m across five years in Saudi Arabia.
Reijnders gives frank answer over Al-Qadsiah money
Asked by NOS whether he could be described as someone simply chasing money, Reijnders did not attempt to avoid the subject.
“Me, a money-grabber? I can't deny that,” he said.
However, Reijnders explained that his situation at Manchester City had already convinced him to consider leaving before the Saudi opportunity developed.
“During pre-season I noticed that things at City were heading in that direction again and I started thinking about whether I wanted another season like that. The honest answer was no.”
City subsequently informed him that he could leave.
Reijnders initially shared the concern that moving to Saudi Arabia could effectively bring his career at the highest European level to an end.
That changed following discussions with Al-Qadsiah manager Brendan Rodgers.
Rodgers convinces Reijnders European return remains possible
Reijnders said Rodgers presented the move as another stage of his career rather than its conclusion.
“He said I can easily play here for three or four years and really enjoy myself, and then return to Europe,” Reijnders explained. “There are enough examples of that now. That's my goal as well.”
That makes Reijnders' long-term ambition clear despite the lucrative contract he has accepted.
For now, his focus is Al-Qadsiah, but the Netherlands international is already leaving open the possibility of another European chapter once his spell in Saudi Arabia reaches its later stages.
Key points
- Tijjani Reijnders left Manchester City for Al-Qadsiah in a deal worth around €61m.
- He could reportedly earn €100m across five years in Saudi Arabia.
- Reijnders openly acknowledged that money influenced his decision.
- Atlético Madrid and Juventus reportedly could not meet Manchester City's financial demands.
- Brendan Rodgers helped convince Reijnders that he could eventually return to European football.
What’s next?
Reijnders will now attempt to establish himself at Al-Qadsiah while remaining part of the Netherlands setup.
His longer-term ambition is already clear: after potentially three or four years in Saudi Arabia, Reijnders wants to return to Europe and continue his career there.
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