Martin Reijnders recently shared insights into his son Tijjani’s decision to join Al Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia, a move that raised eyebrows in the football community. Despite interest from a number of prestigious clubs, the reality of the situation led Tijjani to make this choice.
Limited Options for Tijjani Reijnders
Reijnders was pursued by elite football clubs, including Atlético Madrid, Juventus, Galatasaray, Newcastle United, and Nottingham Forest. However, Manchester City set their transfer price at approximately €60 million, a fee that not many clubs in Europe were willing or able to meet. Ultimately, Al Qadsiah emerged as the only team capable of fulfilling that financial demand.
Martin explained, “We understand that it raises questions. But Tijjani couldn’t just go anywhere at all. Manchester City asked for a transfer fee that nobody in Europe could or wanted to pay. As a result, he is playing here.” This says a lot about the financial dynamics that can sometimes dictate player decisions in the world of football.
The Role of Money in the Decision
While financial aspects certainly played a part in Tijjani’s move, they were not the sole determining factors. Martin pointed out that there were two remaining options: stay with Manchester City but face potential unhappiness due to a change in roles, or embrace a new adventure at Al Qadsiah where he would likely start every match in a position he enjoys. “The first two times, we immediately told Al Qadsiah ‘no’. Tijjani did not have it in his head to go to the Middle East,” he added, emphasizing that they were initially hopeful of an opportunity with Atlético Madrid.
After Atlético Madrid’s interest waned, Al Qadsiah made a more compelling pitch through a video call, leading the Reijnders family to visit the club for a closer look. They were impressed by Al Qadsiah’s ambition to become a leading team in Asia, which is an exciting prospect for Tijjani.
Understanding the Competition Level
Both Martin and Tijjani acknowledge that the competitive level in the Saudi league is not on par with the Premier League, but they believe it has improved significantly. “Of course, the level is lower than in the Premier League,” Martin stated. “But it is no longer the Mickey Mouse league either.” This sentiment underscores the evolving nature of football leagues around the globe, where financial investments are starting to elevate standards significantly.
The reported investment of €100 million over five years by Al Qadsiah adds another layer to this discussion, reinforcing that financial motives cannot be ignored. “We do not need to be sanctimonious about that,” Martin commented candidly.
International Considerations and Future Prospects
Regarding International ambitions, Tijjani does not anticipate losing his spot in the Netherlands national team as a result of this move. However, he has not had any direct communication with the KNVB about his situation. Martin mentioned, “After the Premier League, the Saudi league supplied the most World Cup players.” Countries like France, Mexico, Morocco, and Senegal have also benefited from showcasing talents from the Saudi league.
As Tijjani settles into his new role, he is eager to make an impact. His first goal for Al Qadsiah against Neom SC signifies a promising start. The road ahead is filled with opportunities for growth and excitement, both for Tijjani and the club as they embark on this ambitious journey.
This chapter in Tijjani’s career is not just about financial gains; it encapsulates ambition, strategy, and a desire for growth in an evolving football landscape.