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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Reijnders joins Man City for £46.5m from Milan</li><li>Says he’s “not here to replace” De Bruyne</li><li>Excited to learn under Pep Guardiola</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'Not here to replace him!' - Tijjani Reijnders shows respect for Kevin De Bruyne after making £46.5m move to Man City on back of legendary Belgian's exit

<p><a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/tijjani-reijnders-completes-dream-gbp46m-transfer-man-city-ac-milan/blt59605d7d11167163" target="_blank">Manchester City have signed Reijnders from AC Milan</a> in a £46.5 million deal, just after <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/kevin-de-bruyne-napoli-belgian-dynamo-free-transfer-scott-mctominay-serie-a-champions-man-city-exit/blt390dfd4f0f4c23df" target="_blank">De Bruyne called time on his glittering decade</a> in Manchester to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/kevin-de-bruyne-joins-napoli-serie-a-club-antonio-conte-confirm-signing-free-transfer/blt2cd863e96476433f" target="_blank">join Napoli</a>. The Dutchman arrives after being named the best midfielder in Serie A and joins a City side looking to refresh its midfield options under Pep Guardiola.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>With De Bruyne departing, comparisons were inevitable — but Reijnders was quick to shut them down. While he openly admires the Belgian and has studied his game closely, the Dutchman has claimed that he is focused on forging his own identity. Reijnders also cited Spain and Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta as another key influence on his style of play.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Speaking to club media, Reijnders said: "I'm not here to replace him [De Bruyne]. I have to play my own game. But I take things from different players… with Kevin De Bruyne, how he was scanning the pitch, the passes he gave.</p><p>"That’s also a big thing, of course – the best coach in the world. I am very eager to learn new things here and the style of playing, and that’s what I’m looking forward to."</p>

WHAT REIJNDERS SAID

<p>The 26-year-old is expected to slot into City's midfield rotation during the Club World Cup in the United States, with his competitive debut likely soon. The post-De Bruyne era has begun at City — but with Reijnders, the eight-time Premier League champions believe they’ve landed a star for the future.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR REIJNDERS?

'Not here to replace him!' - Tijjani Reijnders shows respect for Kevin De Bruyne after making £46.5m move to Man City on back of legendary Belgian's exit | Goal.com

Tijjani Reijnders has shown Kevin De Bruyne respect after his £46.5 million ($63m) Manchester City switch and outlined his path with the Citizens.

&apos;Not here to replace him!&apos; - Tijjani Reijnders shows respect for Kevin De Bruyne after making £46.5m move to Man City on back of legendary Belgian&apos;s exit