An experienced midfielder seems likely to leave Manchester City

There are a host of players at Manchester City who face uncertain futures. It is expected that a host of players will depart the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Nathan Ake have already left City. They won’t be the only players who find a new club this summer. Now it has been reported that it is likely that Mateo Kovacic is likely to leave Manchester City this summer. Given Kovacic’s age and injury history, that news doesn’t come as a surprise. Although Kovacic could still play an important role for City if a summer move doesn’t come together.

Mateo Kovacic is expected to leave Manchester City this summer.

Two new reports have linked Mateo Kovacic with a summer move away from Manchester City. First of all, Sam Lee has reported in The Athletic’s weekly Transfer DealSheet segment that Kovacic is considered likely to leave the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. Lee’s report doesn’t include any clubs that are interested in signing the Croatian midfielder.

Wayne Veysey and Evan Lloyd have reported for Football Insider that Manchester City have told Mateo Kovacic that he is free to find a new club this summer. Furthermore, it has also been reported that following Manchester City’s signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, Mateo Kovacic has been deemed surplus to requirements.

It isn’t a surprise to see Kovacic linked with a summer move, however, if that doesn’t occur, he could play an important role for City.

Mateo Kovacic does look to have a battle on his hands to play regularly next season at Manchester City. Elliot Anderson’s arrival at City blocks Kovacic’s path to playing on a regular basis. As does Manchester City’s plan to sign another midfielder. A summer move may be best for Kovacic so he can play regularly during the latter stages of his career.

However, if a summer move doesn’t eventuate for Kovacic, his experience could be valuable for Enzo Maresca’s side. The Croatian international put in a strong display at the 2026 FIFA World Cup for his country. After Kovacic missed the majority of the 2025-26 season due to an Achilles injury and subsequent surgery, his World Cup performances showed that Kovacic remains a quality midfielder. There wouldn’t be a regular role for Kovacic at City as mentioned above, however he could be a useful squad member for Enzo Maresca if a summer move doesn’t eventuate for Kovacic.

Mateo Kovacic seems highly likely to leave Manchester City this summer. That news doesn’t come as a major surprise. Kovacic has been a serviceable player for his team during his spell at the club. However, a summer move may be best for Kovacic so he can play on a regular basis as it is highly unlikely that the Croatian international will get that opportunity at City next season.