Mateo Kovacic transfer stance clear after £125m Man City move

He has been with City since completing a £30 million move from Chelsea in 2023. He has been a regular name in the starting XI before an ankle injury disrupted most of last season.

Kovacic was able to return to action in time for the summer's World Cup, and is now back to full fitness. But City's summer transfer activity could have a big impact on his playing time under Enzo Maresca this season.

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To get it, it's a simple one-two punch.

Kovacic has featured four times so far this campaign, though he has only started the Carabao Cup third round victory over Norwich City, where he captained the side. The midfielder has been an unused substitute in the last two Premier League fixtures.

He has slipped behind summer arrivals Elliot Anderson, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Enzo Fernandez in the midfield selection decisions. Croatian publication Sporteske Novosti reports that Kovacic received assurances from both Maresca and City sporting director, Hugo Vian, that he would play a significant role and receive regular minutes this season.

Nevertheless, the deadline day acquisition of Fernandez from Chelsea, which Maresca advocated for, prompted Kovacic to attempt a late exit from City. It's reported that he had opportunities in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Italy, but was unable to finalise a transfer.

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With fewer than 12 months remaining on his current City contract, it has been reported that there is an option to extend on a reduced salary. Should he reject that offer, he could walk away on a free transfer at the end of his deal next summer.

Speaking during pre-season, Maresca stopped short of offering any guarantees regarding Kovacic's future, with the midfielder heavily linked with a departure from the Etihad Stadium. "Mateo is our player, so while he is here I will do my best," he said.

"If Mateo is here, we will continue to work with him. It is my duty to make players better."

Prior to his move to City, Kovacic spent four seasons at Chelsea, making 221 appearances for the club, netting six goals and playing an integral role in the side that lifted the Champions League trophy in 2021.