Manchester City is poised for a significant squad overhaul this summer, with several first-team players considering departures.
Atletico Madrid target Manchester City midfielder in €30 million deal
Among them, midfielder Mateo Kovacic, who joined the club in June 2023 from Chelsea for an initial £25 million, is reportedly seeking an exit after just two seasons at the Etihad.
Kovacic, turning 31 in May, has been a regular presence in the midfield, especially during Rodri’s absence, amassing over 2,100 minutes of play this season.
Despite his contributions, the emergence of new talent, particularly Spanish midfielder Nico Gonzalez, has reshaped the team’s dynamics.
Gonzalez, who has drawn praise from manager Pep Guardiola and earned the nickname “mini-Rodri,” has impressed in his initial outings, suggesting a promising future at the heart of City’s midfield.
The evolving midfield landscape has prompted Kovacic to explore opportunities elsewhere. Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reports that Atletico Madrid is keen on acquiring the Croatian’s services, planning a €30 million bid.
However, this fee might pose a challenge for the Spanish side. Additionally, long-time admirer Jose Mourinho, now at Fenerbahce, has shown interest in bringing Kovacic to Turkey.
Despite this, sources indicate that Kovacic prefers to remain within Europe’s top five leagues, making a return to Madrid a more appealing prospect.
This potential move aligns with Guardiola’s vision of rejuvenating the squad with younger talent. The club has already invested over €200 million in recent signings, including Gonzalez, as part of a broader strategy to build a team capable of sustained success in the coming years.
Guardiola has acknowledged the need for this transition, especially following underwhelming performances in Europe and domestic competitions this season.
He remains optimistic about the club’s future, emphasizing the blend of emerging talents like Erling Haaland, Savinho, and Jeremy Doku, alongside seasoned players.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Kovacic’s situation will be one to watch.
His departure could provide Manchester City with additional funds to further their squad overhaul, while offering the midfielder a fresh start in a familiar league.
