According to rumours, Mateo Kovacic is considering staying at Manchester City after Ilkay Gundogan joined in the summer.
In July of last year, the Croatian midfielder paid £30 million to join Man City from Chelsea.
He was brought in to take Gundogan’s place after the German signed a free transfer to Barcelona.
In 2023–2024, the 30-year-old made 46 appearances for the Citizens in all competitions, which helped them win the Premier League and advance to the FA Cup final.
Kovacic has started all three of his team’s games this season, which is certainly a lot more than most people anticipated.
In an attempt to add more midfield depth, Matheus Nunes was also added last summer, although he had far more difficulty finding opportunities.
Although Kovacic is not anticipated to do so, the Portuguese playmaker might relocate to Turkey before the Super Lig’s transfer deadline on September 18.
However, Gundogan’s playing time is anticipated to rise following his substitute outings against Ipswich Town and West Ham, therefore he could depart in January.
Mateo Kovacic is reportedly thinking about staying at Man City.
Football Insider claims that Kovacic “may leave Man City” after Gundogan’s comeback.
According to Pete O’Rourke’s report, the former Chelsea player may be able to secure a “lucrative” contract in Saudi Arabia during the winter transfer window if he requests to leave the Etihad.
Although it is well known that Pep Guardiola typically does not obstruct players who want to go, in this particular case, the manager “wouldn’t be willing to let him go.”
However, there’s a potential that Gundogan’s unavoidable return to the starting lineup “may push Kovacic out in January” due to “question marks” regarding his future playing time.
Despite all, according to O’Rourke, a winter departure for the Croatian “would come as a surprise.”
Given that Kovacic’s contract does not expire until 2027, the Premier League winners will demand a hefty price to allow him to depart.
Despite winning the Champions League four times, Kovacic is content with his life under Guardiola.
Kovacic acknowledged in November of last year that he wished he had had the opportunity to learn from the Spanish manager sooner in his career.
It’s both fantastic and difficult because I’m learning a lot of new things. Although I wish I had arrived here sooner, learning never ends. That’s how I think,” he remarked.
I’m glad I can pick up knowledge from him and his words. It would have been wonderful if someone had told me a few years ago.
However, I am still able to study now, and it is evident that he is an amazing person.
“I have been thoroughly enjoying it right from the start. The first several days were difficult to [understand] what he wanted.
“Don’t relocate there.” Proceed there. I thus enjoy running a lot on the pitch occasionally. Proceed there. Proceed there. However, he advised me to “be more calm and not run too much.”
Therefore, it was pleasant and kind of a surprise to me as well. You can tell this is an outstanding club right from the first day. The city is pleasant and the people are wonderful.
“I like the rain even if it’s slightly more than in London. I’m at ease right now.
“I couldn’t pass up the chance to train under one of the best managers in history at a major club like Manchester City.
“I believe I had to seize that chance and become a better version of myself.”
