Manchester City Ready to Cash In on Mateo Kovačić Amid Interest from Italy, Turkey and Saudi Arabia

Manchester City’s "elegant but unlucky" midfield maestro, Mateo Kovačić, appears to have reached the end of the line for his career at the Etihad Stadium. 

Despite being signed from Chelsea in the summer of 2023 with high hopes to fill the void left by İlkay Gündoğan, the Croatian star has climbed to the top of the transfer list due to persistent injuries and shifting squad engineering, even though he has played a key role on Pep Guardiola’s tactical board.

Physical Conditioning and the Tactical Deadlock

Kovačić’s 2025/26 season has been nothing short of a nightmare. 

Sidelined during the team's most critical periods, the experienced midfielder struggled with a wrist surgery in November and recurring Achilles tendon problems throughout the campaign. 

While he made a limited return to the pitch in April, he found it difficult to rediscover his former tempo within City’s high-intensity system.

Pep Guardiola’s desire to initiate a youth movement within the squad, coupled with Kovačić being over the age of 30, has pushed the club management toward a radical decision. 

A hefty weekly wage bill and a medical record showing signs of becoming chronic have triggered City’s intent to generate cash flow from this transfer. 

For a player they paid almost €30 million for three years ago, bids in the €15–20 million range are now considered sufficient to green-light his departure.

Milan, Inter, and Saudi Arabia

Suitors are already lining up for Kovačić, who is expected to be one of the most active names in the market. 

AC Milan are known to be seeking an experienced pair of feet to lead their midfield. The Milan board is ready to place Kovačić at the heart of their project.

Facing the possibility of Hakan Çalhanoğlu leaving the club, Inter Milan are also keeping their former player on the table as a "Plan B" return.

The most serious move from outside Europe has come from Saudi Arabia. Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli are attempting to turn the player’s head with a salary package far exceeding Premier League standards.

There is also movement in Turkey with both Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş interested. Reports suggest intermediaries have offered the player to the Turkish giants, though the clubs are reportedly demanding a detailed medical report first.