Al-Qadsiah Set to Sign Tijjani Reijnders Ahead of Al-Ittihad Clash

Al-Ittihad may not be signing Tijjani Reijnders, but they could still shape his first steps in Saudi football.

The Roshn League debut of the Netherlands and Manchester City midfielder is now expected to run straight through Jeddah’s giants, with Al-Qadsiah lining him up for a potential first outing against Al-Ittihad next Friday.

Reports had already revealed that Al-Qadsiah pushed hard and early, entering advanced talks with Manchester City over a summer move worth 60 million euros. A bold fee. A statement of intent.

According to Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, those talks are no longer just exploratory. The two clubs have reached an agreement, with every detail said to be wrapped up. Reijnders is being described as a “semi-official” Al-Qadsiah player, the paperwork now a formality rather than a hurdle.

The plan is clear. The Dutch midfielder is scheduled to land in Saudi Arabia on Monday, the day after tomorrow, to complete the final steps of his transfer and put pen to paper.

Then comes the next decision.

His first appearance in the Roshn League could arrive almost immediately, in the second round of fixtures, when Al-Qadsiah face Al-Ittihad. Whether that happens or not will be down to Irish coach Brendan Rodgers, who must weigh fitness, adaptation, and the intensity of the occasion against the temptation to unleash his new star straight away.

Reijnders, 28, only joined Manchester City from Milan last summer. He quickly became a regular option, featuring in 50 matches across all competitions, scoring 7 goals and delivering 8 assists. Those numbers underline why Al-Qadsiah were prepared to go so high with their offer and why this move has turned heads across the region.

Al-Qadsiah are not simply building for survival or mid-table comfort. They are arming themselves for a season that will stretch beyond domestic borders. The club is strengthening aggressively as it prepares for its first-ever appearance in the AFC Champions League Elite.

A record signing. A new continental stage. And possibly a debut under the lights against Al-Ittihad.

If Reijnders does step out on Friday, the Roshn League will get an early look at just how serious Al-Qadsiah’s project really is.