Tijjani Reijnders’ father, Martin Reijnders, has revealed that Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United were priced out of signing the midfielder from Manchester City this summer.
Algemeen Dagblad have an interview with the former Manchester City midfielder’s father today following his move to Saudi club Al Qadsiah.
Reijnders completed a move to the Saudi club last week, leaving Manchester City after a year in a €61m deal. The deal for the Dutchman was a surprising one, with no earlier indications that he wouldn’t be a part of Enzo Maresca’s plans moving forwards.
And his father admits that those in charge at the Etihad didn’t want to see the midfielder depart. In fact, they made that clear to the player and his representatives.
“City didn’t want to let him go. Both the technical director and the new manager made that clear,” explained his father.
“They said: if you want a transfer, it will only happen for a fee we are happy with. Not a penny less.”
Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United priced out
They ultimately set an asking price of €61m, which Al Qadsiah were willing to pay. A big price for a player who cost City €54.9m a year ago.
And it was ultimately too much for several of his other suitors, including Atletico Madrid, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United.
“Atlético Madrid was keen but couldn’t make the finances work,” he added.
“Juventus and Galatasaray only wanted a loan deal. Nottingham Forest couldn’t reach an agreement with City, and neither could Newcastle United.”
€100m wages hard to turn down
The transfer fee was not the only major financial hurdle for Nottingham Forest and Newcastle. There was also the wages on offer in the Middle East.
Reports have indicated that Tijjani Reijnders will earn around €100m during the length of his contract with Al Qadsiah. His father admits that obviously played a part in the transfer decision.
“It’s a massive amount of money; truly incredible,” he concluded.
“Of course, that plays a role; there’s no need to be hypocritical about it. But not primarily. Money only became a factor when it came down to two sporting choices: staying at Manchester City – where you wouldn’t be happy due to a new role as a ‘number 10’ and the risk of frequently sitting on the bench – or playing every match with enjoyment at Al-Qadsiah in a position that suits you well.
“People are entitled to their opinions on that, though it’s easy to talk, 75% of professional footballers would have signed the moment Al-Qadsiah made their first offer.”
