Reijnders admits Saudi move was purely for money
The former Manchester City midfielder openly acknowledges he joined Al-Qadsiah for financial gain, not sporting ambition.
What to know
- Reijnders left Manchester City after one season citing unhappiness with being deployed as an attacking midfielder rather than his preferred box-to-box role.
- The 28-year-old signed with Al-Qadsiah for a reported €100 million over four years, making him candid about the financial motivation in a rare admission for elite athletes.
- He argues the salary allows him to ensure financial security for his family and descendants, framing wealth accumulation as rational rather than mercenary.
- Reijnders has started well at Al-Qadsiah with three goals in five league games and received a callup to the Netherlands squad under new manager Xavi.
Unlimited generational wealth creation is philosophically problematic and risks making descendants indolent or destructive.
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“But beyond that you're just creating the future equivalent of Kardashians. Why the fuck would you want your kids to become that? Do we not know enough about rich people yet?”
gordonpown · Reddit ↗
Saudi Arabia's human rights record and state ownership of clubs is a legitimate concern distinct from other international football issues.
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“italian clubs were never owned by the State (even when Milan was owned by Berlusconi). And the last time Italy has ever imprisoned or killed gay people was during fascism... How is that any close to how Saudi sportswashing is operating?”
Mundane-Effective133 · Reddit ↗
“I don't want to work anymore after my career. I didn't have to anymore after City, but now I can also do well for generations after me.”
Tijjani Reijnders, Al-Qadsiah midfielder · Yahoo Sports ↗ · Sep 22
Tijjani Reijnders Dutch midfielder, Al-Qadsiah player
Brendan Rodgers Al-Qadsiah manager
Pep Guardiola Former Manchester City managerManchester City Premier League club
How it unfolded 2 developments, newest first · click a bar or a number to jump articlespostscomments
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Reijnders justifies wealth accumulation to support descendants
The midfielder argues that the salary enables him to support not just himself and his immediate family, but future generations. He challenges the idea that people should refuse such financial opportunities.
“If my grandchildren can also live well because of this choice, why wouldn't I do it?”
— Tijjani Reijnders -
first by Yahoo Sports, 4d ago
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so others would like me Could you replace that with "just because it doesn't align with my values" or "I don't really care to strive and work to prove myself in the best leagues/competitions"
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Reijnders openly admits Saudi move was financially motivated
In an interview with Dutch public broadcaster NOS, Reijnders candidly acknowledges the financial motivation behind his transfer, saying he cannot deny being a 'money-grabber.' He frames the decision as securing his family's future for multiple generations.
“Me, a money-grabber? I can't deny it.”
— Tijjani Reijnders -
Live comfortably - yes, I would want them to be able to afford a home and not struggle. But beyond that you're just creating the future equivalent of Kardashians. Why the fuck would you want your kids to become that? Do we not know enough about rich people yet? Those are the kinds of people who take daddy's money and buy out ancestral land after…
2 more of the top 3 · 5 posts in this stretch
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Hey, two things: italian clubs were never owned by the State (even when Milan was owned by Berlusconi). And the last time Italy has ever imprisoned or killed gay people was during fascism, and furthermore women can drive their cars, they aren't owned by their husbands, they even get to keep their family names when they marry! How is that any close…
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How else are you supposed to compare intercontinental leagues if they never play each other? If anything that makes comparing intercontinental leagues a weird statement per definition.
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background
Reijnders transfers to Al-Qadsiah for reported €61 million — The 28-year-old Dutch midfielder completes a move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah with a four-year contract reportedly worth €100 million. Manager Brendan Rodgers convinces him the move is temporary and he can return to Europe afterward.
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background
European clubs balk at City's asking price for Reijnders — Atlético Madrid, Juventus, and English clubs express interest in signing Reijnders, but all are unable to meet Manchester City's financial demands for the transfer.
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background
Reijnders becomes unhappy at City, considers departure — After one season at Manchester City, Reijnders realizes he is being deployed as a No. 10 (attacking midfielder) rather than the box-to-box No. 8 role he prefers. He decides to seek a new club.
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background
Reijnders joins Manchester City from AC Milan — The Dutch midfielder transfers to Manchester City after playing for AC Milan, moving to the Premier League in hopes of competing at the highest level.
Also covered reported alongside — the timeline has no entry for these yet
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1 outlet Tijjani Reijnders admits he quit Man City to move to Saudi Arabia for money: ‘Why wouldn’t I do it?’
first by The Independent, 4d ago
and 1 smaller piece
What people are saying 2 voices from 1 site · best of 6 · verbatim
- Sep 23
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And so far at Ajax he's there at the right time and place still, just eeh..... misses the ball or mishits it haha.
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I could see that. Their is no local connection with the region, no local talent that came through the youth development thinks like that.