Christian Pulisic’s Milan Faces Stunning Blow as Saudi Pro League Snatches Rising Star Tijjani Reijnders Away

The clause that changes everything for Milan

While Manchester City will receive a substantial fee from Al-Qadsiah, the transfer has an even more interesting consequence for the Rossoneri. A clause inserted into Reijnders’ original move to England means Milan is entitled to the full value of his performance-related bonuses if City sells him within the first year.

Milan had sold Reijnders to City for an initial fee of around $64 million, with another $16 million available through bonuses. Those incentives were originally connected to achievements such as appearances, team success and individual accolades, but the special resale provision means the Italian club can collect the entire bonus package following his immediate departure.

Christian Pulisic of AC Milan celebrates with his team-mate Tijjani Reijnders

That takes City’s total payment to Milan to almost $82 million, despite Reijnders failing to trigger all of those performance-based targets during his season in England. It represents an extraordinary piece of business for Milan, which originally signed the midfielder from AZ Alkmaar for roughly $15 million in 2023.

Milan turn Reijnders into $65m profit

The numbers make the financial impact particularly striking. The Red and Blacks’ overall profit from Reijnders’ sale now rises to approximately $65 million, highlighting how effectively the club managed the midfielder’s transfer despite losing him after only two seasons at San Siro.

The Dutchman had become one of Milan’s most important players after joining from AZ. His ability to carry the ball, progress possession and contribute in the final third made him one of Serie A‘s most sought-after midfielders, eventually convincing City to make a major investment in him.

His move to the Saudi Pro League means Christian Pulisic’s squad has effectively turned that investment into a huge financial return. The Rossoneri will receive considerably more from the overall deal than the original guaranteed transfer fee suggested, thanks to the clause negotiated when Reijnders moved to Manchester.