Sources: Mateo Kovacic’s most likely destination revealed as Man City exit looms

Mateo Kovacic could be set for a return to the Serie A when he departs Manchester City, sources have told Football Insider.

The Croatian midfielder is on the last year of his contract at the Etihad, with the Premier League side willing to let him leave for free.

Kovacic arrived in Manchester from Chelsea back in 2023, where he helped Pep Guardiola's side secure the Premier League title that same season.

The 31-year-old has been a stalwart in England's top flight, but has struggled for minutes last season, and this current campaign so far.

But, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Kovacic is not set to be short of potential suitors next summer.

With his likely option for his next move being shared.

Mateo Kovacic could have route back to Italy as Man City exit looms

Kovacic spent two years in the Serie A with Inter Milan, and he could be set to return to Italy's top flight.

As his Manchester City contract continues to tick down, the midfielder will begin to assess the next stage of his career.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I shared: "Everything’s up in the air right now at City, so that’ll affect Kovacic and everybody else to see what is eventually going to happen to City.

"Kovacic will have lot of options as a free agent next summer if he doesn’t get a new contract or if he wants to run down his contract to City as well.

"There’s been interest from clubs in Italy, where he’s previously played in Serie A with Inter Milan. Kovacic is probably in the box seat there if he does run down his contract and leave on a free; I think there’ll be a lot of options for him."

Kovavic summer response to Man City exit talk not quite coming true so far

There was a chance for Kovacic to depart in the recent summer window, but in the end, the midfielder remained in M11.

Speaking on his future back in August, the 31-year old said via BBC Sport: "I didn't feel the question marks from them. I spoke with them, it was that they count on me, which was important for me to hear that from them."

However, City have yet to show they truly do count on the former Chelsea man, with him making just two Premier League appearances from five games in 2026-27.

There is plenty of time for that to change, with Kovacic potentially having the chance to attract even more interested parties.