(Credit: Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Sun 31 May 2026 18:00, UK

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Mateo Kovacic is increasingly likely to leave Manchester City this summer as they eye another overhaul of their midfield options.

The 32-year-old endured an injury-plagued season during which he made just nine appearances across all competitions and City are now prepared to move him on.

Following the departure of Pep Guardiola and Bernardo Silva, questions are being asked about a number of players in the squad, particularly in midfield.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Kovacic is likely to be the next to follow, while Rodri could also be on his way out.

Enzo Maresca is expected to replace Guardiola this summer and will immediately have a tough job as he aims to stamp his mark on a crucial window for Man City.

Could Mateo Kovacic leave Man City?

Brown told Football Insider earlier this season that Man City were prepared to let Kovacic go before any move was scuppered by issues surrounding an Achilles injury.

The midfielder was a firm favourite of Guardiola’s, who utilised him in the FA Cup final win against Chelsea, but could now follow the manager out of the door.

There is a growing feeling Kovacic is keen to move somewhere with a slower pace of the game as his injuries mean he can no longer keep up in the Premier League.

“There are going to be big changes at Man City this summer,” Brown told Football Insider.

“Pep Guardiola is leaving, Bernardo Silva is leaving, John Stones is leaving, Rodri could be leaving, and I hear Mateo Kovacic could be leaving too.

“He’s had his injury issues this season so he’s hardly played, so it’s likely they will let him move on, that would be in the interest of both the club and the player.

“It seems to me like he needs to go somewhere where the pace is a bit slower, like Spain for example, because his body can’t keep up with the Premier League.

“So that’s at least three midfield players who could be on their way out and they will need replacing, it’s a position that’s going to be key for Man City.

“Especially for the new manager, who will want to bring in players who suit his style and he can get the best out of, that’s going to be important.”

Will Rodri follow Pep Guardiola out of Man City?

Alongside Kovacic, the other uncertainty hanging over Man City’s midfield is about Rodri, and whether his long-term future will remain at the Etihad.

The 29-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid, with a return to Spain set to appeal as he eyes a move away from Manchester.

Football Insider revealed on 22 May that Rodri could be tempted to leave Man City following Guardiola’s exit which has opened the door for Real Madrid.

The midfielder’s future has been up in the air for months as contract talks continue to stall, and there is now a growing feeling he could follow the boss away.

Real Madrid are expected to be placed on alert over the situation and could step up their efforts to lure him to the Bernabeu when the window opens.