(Credit: Imago)

Evan Shaw

Mon 1 June 2026 9:30, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Aston Villa should be on red alert over the prospect of midfielder Mateo Kovacic leaving Manchester City this summer.

The Citizens are facing a summer of change both in the dugout and on the pitch, with veteran stars like Bernardo Silva and John Stones already heading for the exit.

Enzo Maresca is expected to take charge at the Etihad Stadium ahead of next term, and that could bring a significant shake-up within the squad, as the Italian will try to stamp his image on the group.

Kovacic struggled for fitness this term, but was still called upon by Pep Guardiola in some of the biggest games of the season, including both the semi-final and final of the FA Cup.

Aston Villa have been linked in the past, and he could be a strong option for them to pursue again this summer, as they look to add Champions League quality to Unai Emery’s arsenal.

Mateo Kovacic exit planned as Aston Villa move has obvious benefits

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on Sunday that Kovacic is “likely” to leave City this summer, as he prepares to enter the final year of his contract.

The Citizens are expected to continue the regeneration of their squad that was started last summer, and that could see several of their more experienced figures head for the exit.

That could potentially play perfectly into the hands of Villa, who were previously linked with a mid-season move for Kovacic, according to CaughtOffside.

Emery and Co. should be looking to reignite that pursuit this summer in order to add further experience and quality to the centre of their midfield.

Kovacic has spent almost his entire career playing for clubs with Champions League pedigree, and his know-how could prove invaluable in that department.

His injury record will be a concern, but given the depth that Villa already have in their midfield, it wouldn’t necessarily matter if he couldn’t play in the majority of games.

The Croatian’s contract situation means that any deal would likely be on the cheaper end of the scale, and with that in mind, he could be a shrewd addition for Villa to roll out in the big games.

Villa already working on new contract for midfielder

Football Insider revealed last week that Villa are in talks with Lamare Bogarde over a new contract, as a reward for the progress that he has made over the course of the season.

The Dutchman made 44 appearances for his team in all competitions and played a significant role in helping them towards Europa League glory.

The 22-year-old enjoyed a coming-of-age campaign at Villa Park, and the club hierarchy are now working hard to tie him down to a long-term deal, after Brighton showed an interest in him back in January.

Bogarde looks set to be the next midfield star to come through Villa’s ranks, and they may want to avoid stunting his progress by adding too many further options in his position.