Key Takeaways:
- Atletico Madrid have commenced negotiations with Manchester City over the potential transfer of Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders this summer
- Los Colchoneros have already reached an agreement to sign Wolves’ Joao Gomes, bolstering an increasingly crowded midfield group
- Reijnders joined Manchester City for €54.9m last summer after two standout seasons at AC Milan, recording seven goals and eight assists across 47 appearances
Atletico Madrid’s Midfield Reshuffle
Atletico Madrid are looking to further enhance their midfield options during the summer transfer window, as Sporting Director Mateu Alemany explores new reinforcement strategies. The club has already secured an agreement to bring Joao Gomes from Wolverhampton Wanderers, which adds to the depth in the central areas.
Last season, the arrivals of Alex Baena and Johnny Cardoso were hampered by recurring injuries, limiting their influence. Club captain Koke was again called upon to play a key role, while Pablo Barrios also faced fitness issues. The midfield ranks continued to expand in January as young prospects Obed Vargas and Rodrigo Mendoza joined the squad, earmarked primarily for future development.
🚨🇳🇱 JUST IN: Atletico Madrid are checking if there is any chance of Tijjani Reijnders leaving Manchester City this summer. They are considering a move for him.
[🥇: Simon Jones, @DailyMail] pic.twitter.com/UVzVtluTth
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) May 29, 2026
With Gomes included, Atletico are on course to have six natural options for their deeper midfield pairing. Nevertheless, both Vargas and Mendoza are considered potential candidates for loan moves ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Transfer Enquiry for Reijnders
According to information shared by Matteo Moretto, Atletico Madrid remain intent on bolstering their midfield contingent and have opened discussions with Manchester City concerning Tijjani Reijnders. With Enzo Maresca arriving at the Etihad Stadium this summer, Reijnders is reportedly among the players who could be available for transfer.
Reijnders’ Career Path and Statistics
Tijjani Reijnders, 27, moved to Manchester City last summer from AC Milan in a transfer worth €54.9m following an impressive two-year spell in Serie A. During the 2025/26 campaign, Reijnders featured in 47 matches, scoring seven times and supplying eight assists. Despite these contributions, he started approximately half of the fixtures, becoming more often a substitute under Pep Guardiola towards the season’s end. For context, his goal involvements from midfield amounted to just under one every two games – a notable return from central areas.
In terms of playing style, Reijnders offers a profile similar to Pablo Barrios, showcasing technical ability, an aptitude for evading pressure, and an eagerness to drive forward in possession. As he approaches the prime years of his career, Reijnders could provide immediate quality for Diego Simeone’s side. It is also noteworthy that Real Madrid were linked with the Dutchman prior to his Manchester City move.
Looking Ahead
While Atletico Madrid have built a diverse mix of experience and youth in midfield, their pursuit of Reijnders indicates a continued ambition to reach higher levels of quality and depth as they prepare for the forthcoming campaign. Discussions with Manchester City are ongoing, with further developments anticipated as the summer window unfolds.
