Saudi Arabia Club Beats Newcastle to Manchester City’s Midfielder Transfer

Newcastle United’s search for experienced midfield reinforcements could be about to lose another potential option.

According to the latest reports, Man City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders is in fact on his way out of Manchester, but closing in on a move elsewhere.

The Magpies have already suffered several setbacks while attempting to strengthen the midfield of Matthias Jaissle’s squad, and now The Athletic’s David Ornstein has reported that Saudi Arabian side Al Qadsiah is in advanced negotiations to sign Reijnders.

“Saudi Arabian club Al Qadsiah are in advanced talks over a move for Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders,” Ornstein reported. “Talks between the two clubs and between Al Qadsiah and the player are ongoing and despite a focus on the Saudi club’s season opener later on Thursday there is hope a deal can be closed in the coming days.”

Reijnders had emerged as another player on Newcastle’s radar during its ongoing rebuild, but Ornstein’s update leaves the Magpies facing the prospect of watching another target choose a different destination.

The Netherlands international only joined Manchester City from AC Milan for £46.5 million last summer, signing through 2030 after being named Serie A’s midfielder of the year. However, his role at City became less certain following the arrival of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest earlier this summer.

“Reijnders made 47 appearances in his debut year for City, scoring five goals and adding two assists,” Ornstein reported. “He started only half of the team’s Premier League games, however.”

Nottingham Forest also holds serious interest in the 28-year-old, according to Ornstein, but Al Qadsiah moved quickly to snatch the midfielder from Manchester and complete a transfer.

Newcastle’s midfield search has already encountered many frustrations, most notably after Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg rejected a proposed switch despite the Magpies being prepared to satisfy Marseille’s demands and the player initially agreeing on moving to Tyneside.

Which midfielder should Newcastle target next after the rejections and market movement of the past few days? Share your thoughts below!