Mateo Kovacic makes decision on quitting Man City for Saudi club - sources

Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.

Published on:

10 Sep 2024, 2:30 pm

Mateo Kovacic is not yet keen on leaving Man City to play in the Saudi Pro League, sources have told Football Insider.

Football Insider revealed on Monday (9 September) that City and Pep Guardiola will be unwilling to sell midfielder Kovacic in the January transfer window.

That is despite the summer return of Ilkay Gundogan, who comes back to the Etihad Stadium after one season with Barcelona.

It is believed manager Guardiola is a “big fan” of four-time Champions League winner Kovacic.

Al Nassr are reportedly targeting the 30-year-old ahead of the winter window after failing to land him in the summer.

According to CBS Sports (5 September), Cristiano Ronaldo has personally asked his club to sign Kovacic and they are preparing a salary package worth almost £800,000-a-week.

But sources say the 106-cap Croatia international is keen to continue playing at the highest level.

Man City star Kovacic not ready for Saudi switch

The midfielder is only 30 and feels he can continue performing in the Premier League and Europe for years to come.

He has stepped up at the start of the 2024-25 campaign, starting all four of City's first four games with Rodri still unavailable.

The former Chelsea star is under contract at the Etihad Stadium until June 2027.

(Credit: Getty Images)

Kovacic joined City in 2023 and made 46 appearances across all competitions as they won the Premier League.

He started in 30 of those outings, scoring three goals.

In other news, finance expert taken aback by Pep Guardiola decision.

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