Tijjani Reijnders Shines in Roshn League with Stunning Performance

Tijjani Reijnders is wasting no time justifying his price tag in Saudi Arabia.

The Netherlands midfielder, Al-Qadsiah’s record signing, delivered a statement performance in the Roshn League on Tuesday night, striking twice in a commanding display against Al-Ahli at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam.

He set the tone early. With just 14 minutes gone, Reijnders collected the ball on the edge of the penalty area and unleashed a fierce drive that flew beyond Édouard Mendy, leaving the Al-Ahli and Senegal goalkeeper with no chance. It was the sort of finish that announces a player to a new league.

Al-Qadsiah kept pushing and, deep into first-half stoppage time, their marquee man struck again. This time it was about timing and movement rather than power. Reijnders ghosted into the box and met a cross from Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat, guiding a precise header home for his side’s third of the night. One thunderbolt, one poacher’s finish – a complete attacking display from midfield.

The brace took his tally to three league goals for Al-Qadsiah since his summer move from Manchester City. His first had arrived in just his second appearance, during a controlled 2-0 win over Neom in the third round of the Roshn League, hinting that he was already settling quickly into Saudi football.

That sharp start has already eclipsed his early days in England. At Manchester City last season, Reijnders managed only one goal in his first four matches, scoring against Wolverhampton on the opening weekend of the Premier League. In Dammam, the impact has been faster, louder, and far more decisive.

All of it comes under the weight of expectation that follows his transfer fee. Reijnders remains the most expensive signing in Al-Qadsiah’s history, brought in from Manchester City in the last summer window for a reported 61 million euros. Performances like this suggest the club knew exactly what it was paying for – and that the Roshn League may be watching the birth of one of its new central figures.