Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Ait-Nouri expressed their excitement about working with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

The pair linked up with Guardiola at City ahead of the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States, with the Citizens among the favourites to scoop the prize. 

City have recruited heavily ahead of the revamped 32-team tournament, with Lyon's Rayan Cherki and Chelsea goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli also joining the club. 

Reijnders completed his switch from AC Milan for an initial reported fee of £46.5m, putting pen to paper on a five-year deal. 

The 26-year-old was named Serie A's midfielder of the season after scoring 10 goals for Milan last term, with only team-mate Christian Pulisic (11) and Napoli's Scott McTominay (12) netting more among players in his position.

Reijnders also broke the opposition's defensive line with a pass more times (47) than any other player in Serie A in the 2024-25 season for an underperforming Milan side. 

He also had 77 shots, the 10th most of all players in Serie A, and the Dutch midfielder said he is eager to learn new tactics under serial winner Guardiola at City.

"Yes, that is also a big thing [working with Guardiola]," said Reijnders. "The best coach in the world.

"I am very eager to learn new things and style of playing. That's what I'm looking forward to. Of course, Milan will always be in my heart.

"I had two really good seasons there and met very nice people, but you have to look in a sporting way and I want to reach some goals in my career and I think I can reach them here, and quickly."

The Power Reijnders origin story  pic.twitter.com/4r2rPskHds

— Manchester City (@ManCity) June 14, 2025

Ait-Nouri, like Reijnders, also signed a five-year deal with Man City following his reported £31m transfer from Wolves.

The Algeria international registered 11 goal involvements (four goals, seven assists) in the Premier League in 2024-25, more than any other defender in the division. 

And Ait-Nouri has no doubt that Guardiola will be able to improve his game over the coming seasons.

"It's a dream to play for this team. We have great players. I'm proud after working very hard since I came to England," Ait-Nouri said. 

"Pep can improve me a lot. He's the best in the world. What City have done in the last few years has been incredible. I will improve and progress on the pitch."

Man City fans could see their new signings make their debut against Wydad on June 18 in their first fixture at the Club World Cup at Lincoln Financial Field.