News

Reijnders complicated but not impossible

Published

3 months ago

May 5, 2026

Is Tijjani Reijnders a realistic target for Juventus? It’s certainly an intriguing idea for Luciano Spalletti, who is keen to reshape his midfield with a different profile from those currently available.

With Teun Koopmeiners potentially on the market and the likes of Manuel Locatelli and Khephren Thuram offering more familiar characteristics, Reijnders would bring a fresh dynamic.

During his time at AC Milan, the Dutch midfielder demonstrated his technical quality and versatility, even if the team’s overall finish last season did not fully reflect his individual performances.

As reported by TuttoJuve, this profile is exactly what Juventus are evaluating as they look to evolve their squad.

A Complicated Financial Equation

However, the path to signing Reijnders is far from straightforward. One of the main obstacles is his current situation at Manchester City.

In recent weeks, he has often found himself on the bench, no longer considered an undisputed starter under Pep Guardiola.

Despite this, City have climbed the table and effectively drawn level with Arsenal, which raises an important question: how does the club internally value his contribution? Even if his role has diminished, it doesn’t necessarily translate into a willingness to sell at a reduced price.

The financial aspect is particularly complex. Reijnders was signed for €55 million, with an additional €14 million in bonuses—clauses that could be triggered if he were sold before 2030.

This means that, by the summer of 2026, the threshold to avoid a capital loss would rise to around €58 million. For Manchester City, accepting an offer below that figure would be difficult, making any negotiation a delicate balancing act. Only a bid comfortably above that level might open the door to serious discussions.

Champions League Key to the Deal

Beyond the transfer fee, Juventus must also consider the player’s salary, currently around €7 million per year including bonuses. This is a significant commitment, especially for a club carefully managing its wage structure.

As TuttoJuve highlights, everything hinges on one crucial objective: qualification for the UEFA Champions League.

Without the financial boost that comes from competing in Europe’s top competition, a deal of this magnitude would simply not be sustainable for Juventus—neither in terms of the transfer fee nor the wage bill.

The club’s priorities are clear: secure a top-four finish first, then assess the feasibility of high-profile reinforcements.

Reijnders could very well be the player capable of elevating Juventus to the next level, offering creativity, intelligence, and technical quality in midfield.

But before making any decisive move, the Bianconeri must first navigate the final stretch of the season. Only then will they know whether such an ambitious transfer can truly become reality.