Mateo Kovacic has reportedly set his sights on leaving Manchester City during the upcoming winter transfer window.
Mateo Kovacic Reportedly Pushing for Manchester City Exit
The Croatian midfielder endured the most challenging season of his career last year, spending the majority of the campaign recovering from injury.
He managed only nine appearances, totaling a mere 242 minutes on the pitch. Remarkably, despite his absence from September through March, he retained his technical sharpness upon returning.
According to Croatian newspaper Jutarnji List, Kovacic now plans to depart the Etihad Stadium.
The report claims the 32-year-old grew frustrated following Enzo Fernandez’s arrival this summer and wanted to leave immediately. However, the move collapsed due to a lack of time.
Tempting offers piled up from several regions. Turkish clubs expressed strong interest, alongside bids from Saudi Arabia and Italy.
Despite the volume of interest, the parties involved could not reconcile the various proposals. Time ultimately ran out, forcing Kovacic to remain in Manchester.
One month into the current season, the situation appears clear. Kovacic faces a difficult autumn characterized by intermittent appearances.
When combining his club duties with international fixtures, he expects to rack up around 20 matches by the time the winter window opens. His contract with the Sky Blues runs until the summer of 2027.
Leaving Manchester City has become the only sensible option. At 32, and after a season shuttling between surgery and recovery, Kovacic needs regular playing time.
He requires the opportunity to enjoy his football again. A winter exit now appears inevitable as he seeks to revitalize his career.
