Reijnders Scores 3 Goals in 4 Saudi Pro League Games, Rising from Manchester City Fringe Player to Key Star

The 28-year-old Dutch international scored twice in this match, making him a deserved MVP. Even more impressively, he has already scored three goals in just four games since joining his new club. Such efficiency would attract attention in any league. The transfer fee that brought him there was €61 million, one of the biggest signings in Saudi football this summer.

Who is Reijnders? Some fans may still have only a vague impression of him. He came through PSV Eindhoven's youth system and played for clubs including Dundee United, PSV Eindhoven, Ajax, and Derby County before joining Manchester City in the summer of 2024 for around €35 million. The transfer attracted plenty of attention at the time, because any player personally brought into Manchester City by Guardiola naturally receives significant interest.

However, his situation at Manchester City was not ideal. Although he won the Premier League title with the team last season, he spent more time on the bench. Under new manager Maresca's tactical system, his defensive weaknesses were highlighted, including slower recovery runs and limited interception ability. His attacking talent was instead overlooked, and he gradually became a fringe player. A player who could have been a starter ended up spending much of his time as a substitute.

Then came the offer from Saudi Arabia. Money was not the only factor, and neither was his role. After arriving in Saudi Arabia, Reijnders seemed like a different player and immediately took off. The league environment, with a slower pace and less high pressing, gave him more space to use his ball-carrying ability and box-to-box midfield talent. Going from a fringe player in Europe's top five leagues to a dominant figure in the Saudi league is a notable transformation, and the reasons behind it are worth considering.

Simply put, this reflects the real difference in competitive intensity between the two leagues. The Premier League's pace, with high-speed physical battles and pressing throughout the match, is clearly slower in the Saudi league. For a technical midfielder like Reijnders, this can actually provide freedom. He does not need to cover defensively every single moment and can focus more energy on organizing attacks. Many players would likely find it easier to perform in such conditions.

That said, is the Saudi league really that weak? Not exactly. They have brought in many established stars still in their prime, including Benzema, Mitrovic, and Fabinho, all players who proved themselves in Europe's top leagues. But the issue is that the overall quality of their teammates often cannot match them. Even a great player can only carry so much when surrounded by weaker support.

Reijnders' father gave a rather straightforward interview. He acknowledged that the Saudi league is naturally below the Premier League level, but said it is not a competition where players can simply coast. A five-year, €100 million salary was indeed a key factor in the decision. That statement is neither dishonest nor shameful. At 28, near the later stage of his prime years, choosing between fighting for a substitute role and earning a top salary while playing regularly for MVP-level performances is not a difficult decision.

Many people look down on players who move to Saudi Arabia, viewing it as retirement or taking the easy route. But everyone has their own considerations. Securing a top contract at the best age while ensuring playing time is not a bad thing for any professional footballer. Reijnders' breakout proves exactly that — he did not go there simply to enjoy life; he went there to play football, and he has played very well.

From another perspective, is this kind of 'playing at a lower level' truly beneficial? After dominating in the Saudi league, can he still perform at the same level in international matches or if he returns to Europe's top leagues in the future? Competitive form is like sailing against the current; if you do not move forward, you fall behind. Whether playing in a lower-intensity environment for a long time affects physicality and match rhythm is something Reijnders and his team surely understand.

The Saudi league has shown great ambition in recent years, with national investment bringing in star players and attempting to escape the stereotype of being a 'retirement league.' Results have improved, but according to global league rankings from data provider Opta, the Saudi league remains ranked 29th, behind European second-tier competitions such as the Championship and the Bundesliga 2. That reality cannot simply be erased by signing a few famous players.

Reijnders' three goals in four games are a double-edged sword. On one hand, he has proven his ability and shown the outside world his value, possibly opening the door to a future return to Europe. On the other hand, if he remains in a comfort zone for too long, could it limit his ceiling? Time will provide the answer.

Regardless, Reijnders has used his performances on the pitch and his lucrative contract to provide a vivid example of the gap between the Premier League and the Saudi league. It is too early to decide whether this €61 million transfer was worth it. But one thing is certain: cases like this are likely to become increasingly common in the future.

The path of Saudi football's rise may be reflected in players like Reijnders. They may not be able to buy true top-level competitiveness, but they can at least buy attention, publicity, and excitement around matches. For most players, that itself represents a form of success. Competitive level may not be the only factor behind their choices.

Reijnders' story is far from over. Can he maintain this scoring rate next season? Will other European clubs start watching him again? Or will he continue playing in Saudi Arabia and become a historic-level star there? These questions remain unanswered. But at this moment, he is the brightest star in this desert.