Nottingham Forest's pursuit of midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has ended with the player joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah. The proposed £55 million move collapsed after the two clubs could not agree a fee, with Al-Qadsiah securing the 23-year-old for a reported €61 million (£52.4m) on 23 September.
Reijnders, a former Manchester City academy player, was open to the switch to the City Ground. Other clubs including Atletico Madrid and Juventus had also shown interest in the Dutch midfielder during the summer window. He has since made five appearances for Al-Qadsiah, scoring three goals, with his most recent coming in a 3-3 draw with Al-Ettifaq.
Reijnders' frank admission
Speaking after the transfer, Reijnders was candid about his decision. "Me a money grabber? I can't deny that," he said. The midfielder added that he aimed to "do well for generations after me" and suggested he could play in Saudi Arabia for three or four years before considering a return to Europe. He was previously managed by Brendan Rodgers at his new club.
Forest's ongoing search
The failed deal leaves Forest continuing their search for midfield reinforcement as they sit 13th in the Premier League with five points from five games. Their recent form reads one win, two draws and two defeats, including a 1-0 home loss to Coventry last time out. With Nicolò Savona and Nikola Milenković currently sidelined, the need for added creativity is clear. The club did secure Xaver Schlager on a free transfer from RB Leipzig this summer, and the Austrian has started five of the last six matches, playing the full 90 minutes each time.
Forest's next test is an away trip to face 15th-placed Crystal Palace on 11 October. Fans can check the full schedule on the club's fixtures page and view the squad list options, including injury updates, via the squad section.
More detail at nottinghampost.com
