{
  "id": 9364093,
  "title": "Reijnders admits money was behind his Saudi Arabia move",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/reijnders-admits-money-was-behind-his-saudi-arabia-move",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-23T15:09:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/sport/football/reijnders-admits-money-was-behind-his-saudi-arabia-move-1.500685436"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Netherlands midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has revealed that financial security was the primary motivator behind his move to Saudi Arabia. The 28-year-old left Manchester City after just one season to join Al Qadsiah for a reported €61 million fee. Speaking about the transfer, Reijnders stated, \"I don't want to have to work anymore after my career.\" He went on to explain that while his earnings at Manchester City might have already provided him with that luxury, the contract in Saudi Arabia offers a much greater level of financial security for his family.\n\nReijnders admitted that he likely wouldn't have needed to work after his Manchester City contract either, but the prospect of his grandchildren living comfortably was a compelling reason to accept the Saudi deal. The midfielder is reported to have received a lucrative contract, with some estimates valuing the package at around €100 million. The move to Saudi Arabia was not solely money-driven, however. Reijnders wanted to play a more dynamic, versatile role as a midfielder, but felt he was increasingly being pushed into an attacking position at Manchester City.\n\nHis dissatisfaction with his role grew during preseason, leading him to explore other options. A conversation with Al Qadsiah coach Brendan Rodgers ultimately convinced Reijnders that moving to Saudi Arabia did not mean giving up on European football. The midfielder has no issue admitting that the financial package made the decision easier, emphasizing that it was an opportunity to secure not just his own future, but his family's prosperity for generations.",
  "summary": "Tijjani Reijnders is not trying to hide the reason behind his move to Saudi Arabia. The Netherlands midfielder left Manchester City after just one season to join Al Qadsiah in a €61 million move this summer. And when asked about the money involved, the 28 year old was refreshingly open about it. “I don't want to have to work anymore after my career,” Reijnders said. He admitted that his earnings…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Ajel English",
        "title": "Moroccan king congratulates Saudi leaders on National Day",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/moroccan-king-congratulates-saudi-leaders-on-national-day",
        "published": "2026-09-23T12:18:27.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Al Jazeera",
        "title": "How much is UK supporting Saudi Arabia in its war with Iran-backed Houthis?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/how-much-is-uk-supporting-saudi-arabia-in-its-war-with-iran-backed",
        "published": "2026-09-23T13:57:50.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Saudi Gazette",
        "title": "Saudi Arabia, Paraguay sign mutual visa exemption agreement",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/saudi-arabia-paraguay-sign-mutual-visa-exemption-agreement",
        "published": "2026-09-23T14:17:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "KBC",
        "title": "CS Mvurya hails Saudi Arabia for continued support of Kenya’s development agenda",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/cs-mvurya-hails-saudi-arabia-for-continued-support-of-kenyas",
        "published": "2026-09-23T14:44:57.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}