New Delhi: Filling in the boots of a Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder is not an easy task, but that is exactly what Tijjani Reijnders must do at the start of his first season in the English Premier League. Signed for a £46.3m five-year deal from AC Milan in June, the Dutch midfielder will have no time to settle at City, who expect their new midfielder to hit the ground running in the absence of Rodri.
The Spanish midfielder, who spent nearly eight months out with an ACL injury last season, is unlikely to return to action in the near future after suffering a fresh injury setback at the FIFA Club World Cup. His long absence was one of the main reasons behind a rare trophyless campaign for City, and perhaps that’s why Guardiola chose Reijnders, who has similar box-to-box midfielder traits as his Spanish teammate.
Injuries to Mateo Kovacic and Phil Foden have further dented the start of Manchester City’s 2025–26 Premier League campaign. For Reijnders, though, it is a golden opportunity to establish himself in the central midfield position at City, where there is no shortage of competition for every position.
Reijnders’ fearless attitude could prove to be his biggest tool in his Man City stint. The Dutch midfielder is looking forward to the biggest challenge of his career and is thrilled to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world under one of the best coaches in football history.
Reijnders’ tell-all interaction with JioHotstar
Speaking exclusively on JioHotstar ahead of the Premier League 2025-26 season, Reijnders expressed his excitement ahead of his debut and revealed why he chose Guardiola’s Man City project.
“I’m really looking forward to the Premier League. I’m excited to play in what I think is the highest level of competition in football. I can’t wait. “It (Man City) is one of the biggest clubs in the world, so in the end it was a pretty easy choice. Playing in the Premier League and competing for trophies every year, that’s what attracts me the most,” he said.
Reijnders is excited to play under Guardiola, who has won every trophy on offer at City.
“It’s a proud thing. He’s (Guardiola) one of the best coaches, and it feels nice playing under him, learning new things from him.
While it might take some time for Reijnders to settle in his role on the pitch, he and his family are already feeling at home in Manchester.
“I’ve settled down pretty well here. I found a nice house, my family is happy, and that makes me happy too. Coming into a group like this made it very easy to find my spot, and I got a lot of help when I needed it,” he told JioHotstar
Inspired by the former Barcelona duo of Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi, Reijnders wants to showcase his ability as a complete midfielder in his debut season.
“The duels in midfield against my direct opponent, and showing my strengths, coming into the box, being important for the team with goals or assists.”
The Dutch footballer has a special connection with fans in India. He loves “the (Indian) food, especially the spicy food”, with special liking for “Butter chicken and Chicken Biryani”.
In a bid to regain the Premier League title, Man City open their campaign at Wolves on Saturday, August 16.
Watch the interview, streaming on JioHotstar, August 15 at 12 Noon
Catch all the action from the Premier League 2025-26 season, August 16 onwards, LIVE & Exclusive on Star Sports Network and JioHotstar