Former Man City star Tijjani Reijnders admits he moved to Saudi Pro League as he 'doesn't want to work again' after football
Former Manchester City star Tijjani Reijnders has admitted he moved to the Saudi Pro League for financial reasons as he claimed, "I don't want to work again" after football.
Reijnders joined City from AC Milan in the summer of 2025 and helped the club win both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup in Pep Guardiola's final season at the Etihad Stadium.
After a strong start, the Dutchman struggled for regular minutes and was made available for transfer just a year after moving to the Premier League.
Saudi outfit Al Qadsiah, managed by Brendan Rodgers, stole a march on Atletico Madrid and paid £60 million to secure Reijnders' services.
Tijjani Reijnders admits he moved to Saudi Arabia for money in revealing interview
Reijnders is one of many household names to move to Saudi Arabia but his decision to do so came as a surprise given he is in the prime of his career at 28.
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Clubs in Saudi Arabia have forked out massive wages for top talent, leading to many accusing players of merely moving to the league for the money.
In a new interview, Netherlands international Reijnders admitted financial security was the driving factor behind his transfer as he spoke about not wanting to work when he retires and a desire to set up his grandchildren.
"Money definitely plays a part in it. After my football career ends, I don't want to work again," he said, speaking to Voetbalzone.
“I didn't have to after leaving Manchester City anyway, but now I can also help future generations of my family.
“Security was the priority. I won't lie about it, if my grandchildren can live off this, then why shouldn't I?"
“When you’re offered that kind of salary, just try saying no.
“Everyone can take the moral high ground and say, ‘I would never do that,’ but I’m pretty sure most people would accept it. In fact, most people would probably accept a promotion in their own job.
“We’re talking here about the kind of money that is almost impossible to turn down.”
It was reported by Mike Verweij of De Telegraaf that Reijnders could earn €100 million across five seasons in Saudi.
Netherlands boss Xavi Hernandez defends Tijjani Reijnders for Saudi Pro League move
Online, Reijnders' comments picked up huge traction and had 3.5 million views on one post on X.
Reijnders has played six times for his new team, who are fourth in the table with 16 points. There was a suggestion that his move to Saudi would harm his situation with the Netherlands national team.
Both he and Crysencio Summerville swapped the Premier League for the Saudi Pro League. Previous manager Ronald Koeman effectively ended the national team career of Steven Bergwijn, refusing to select him after he moved to Al Hilal.
However, Barcelona legend Xavi, who had a brief spell in Qatar, sees the pair as part of his plans and called them up in his first squad.
"I think if you follow the Saudi league you will find that it is not bad," Xavi said, speaking to the media.
"It's fine, it's professional football. If he performs well and is suited to the team, then what's the problem?
"But the Saudi league takes part in the AFC Champions League and that is also difficult.. you have to follow the league,"
Topics: Man City, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League
Josh Lawless