I signed Saudi Pro League contract to secure my grandchildren’s future – Reijnders

Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has offered an assessment of his decision to move to the Saudi Pro League, admitting that the opportunity to guarantee generational wealth for his family made the transfer impossible to refuse.

The 28-year-old completed a £51 million transfer from Manchester City to Saudi Arabian outfit Al Qadsiah in August 2026, signing a lucrative four-year contract reported to be worth roughly €100 million (£86 million).

Reijnders addressed the media directly regarding the unprecedented financial terms, turning away from conventional talking points to speak openly about long-term financial security and family planning.

As reported by football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano on X on Wednesday, the Al Qadisah midfielder said, “It’s money for generations of my family,” Reijnders stated. “Once my playing career is over, I don’t want to have to work anymore. Of course, I probably wouldn’t have needed to work anymore after my contract at Manchester City either, but this move allows me to secure the future of the next generations of my family.”

While the contract played a decisive role, Reijnders also revealed that tactical frustration contributed to his exit from the Etihad Stadium.

After arriving from AC Milan in the summer of 2025, the midfielder spent a single season under Pep Guardiola, making 50 appearances and winning both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, before seeking a departure due to being deployed in advanced central roles rather than his preferred box-to-box position.

“I’m not going to lie about that,” Reijnders added regarding the financial incentives. “By signing this contract, I can make sure even my grandchildren are financially secure, so why wouldn’t I do it?”

Reijnders noted that conversations with Al Qadsiah manager Brendan Rodgers convinced him that he could spend three to four years in the Middle East before potentially returning to European football.

He also defended the standard of football in the Saudi Pro League, rating it above the Dutch Eredivisie and encouraging critics to watch matches before judging the league