Manchester City is close to finalizing Reindez: The perfect adapter for Guardiola s tactical puzzle

In the 2024-25 season, Manchester City, which completed four consecutive Premier League championships in the previous season, was short of all four major seasons, and only retained the Champions League qualification with the third place in the Premier League. Both offense and defense are not strong, but the real problem is in the midfield.

Mid-back, defensive core Rodri was reimbursed early in the season, and the forward midfielder, offensive organization core De Bruyne declined too much compared to his peak period.

This summer window, Manchester City's number one target was originally Wilz, but it seems that he could not compete with Liverpool, so he can't miss Reindes again.

According to Pedula, Manchester City hopes to sign Reindes before the Club World Cup, but AC Milan insists on adding 80 million euros. Manchester City's initial psychological price was 60 million euros, but Milan is unwilling to lower the price, and the two sides have not reached an agreement.

From the perspective of technical characteristics, Reindes has almost tailored the system for Manchester City.

Multi-rounded attributes: He is competent for the role of the No. 8 organization, back midfielder and even front midfielder, perfectly meeting Guardiola's demand for midfield liquidity.

Data explosiveness: This season has contributed 15 goals and 4 assists, and its ability to insert attack is significantly better than that of traditional drag-back midfielders.

Tactical discipline: Averages more than 12 kilometers per game in AC Milan, and the rapid landing ability in offense and defense conversion can enhance the continuity of Manchester City's high-level pressing.

What is particularly important is that in the context of De Bruyne's departure and B's future is uncertain, Reindez is regarded as a new fulcrum for midfield creativity. TA famous reporter David Ornstein clearly pointed out that he is the core goal of Manchester City to strengthen the "No. 8 position" and form a differentiated positioning with leading midfielder positioning players such as Wilz.

For AC Milan, this transaction reflects the cruel reality of the wealthy ecology. The income cliff caused by the loss of Champions League qualification forced the club to balance accounts by selling cores. Milan has locked in Turin midfielder Samuelle Richie (worth 30-35 million euros) as a replacement and has launched a fierce bidding with Inter Milan.

It is interesting that Reindez's annual salary doubled to 3.5 million euros when he renewed his contract at the end of 2024, and the contract was extended to 2030, which is regarded as the "cornerstone of Milan's revival." However, when Manchester City offered 7 million euros annual salary after tax (doubled to Milan's treatment), the players' attitude turned open, highlighting the delicate struggle between competitive ambitions and economic leverage in modern football.

Reindez's joining will reconstruct Manchester City's midfield competition ecosystem. Rodri welcomes his ideal partner, and Reindes' forward insertion ability can release Rodri's defensive load, forming a "one defense and one offense" dual-axis drive. Reindez's ability to play in the confrontation developed by Serie A (success rate of 87% this season) will become a key weapon to deal with high-intensity pressing in the Premier League. The deeper significance is that this is the first major operation of the new football director Hugo Viana after taking office, marking Manchester City entering a strategic reconstruction period in the post-Bergiristan era.

Reindez firmly stated when renewing his contract with Milan that "I still have an unfinished career in Milan", but when facing Manchester City's invitation, he turned to leave room for maneuver with "Guardiola's recognition". This change in posture reveals the dialectical relationship between "loyalty" and "ambition" in modern football - the careers of top players are ultimately a one-way channel for flowing towards a higher competitive stage and a broader influence territory.