Man City count on me despite exit rumours – Kovacic
Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic insists the club "count on" him, despite reports linking him with a return to Serie A amid interest from Juventus and his former club Inter Milan. The 32-year-old Croatia international has entered the final year of his contract and has not been offered an extension, but his comments suggest he expects to remain part of Enzo Maresca's plans, even though the new manager gave a notably non-committal answer when asked about his future.
Kovacic played just nine times last season after being sidelined for much of the campaign by Achilles and ankle injuries. With Rodri unlikely to be fit for the start of the new season following back surgery, Kovacic could deputise in midfield alongside Tijjani Reijnders, Nico Gonzalez and new £116m signing Elliot Anderson, who has yet to join up with the squad after England's World Cup run. Kovacic also praised the strength of Premier League midfielders, citing big-money signings such as Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Declan Rice at rival clubs.
- Kovacic says Man City "count on" him despite exit rumours.
- Contract situation unresolved; Juventus and Inter reportedly interested.
- Rodri's injury absence gives Kovacic a chance to start.
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Mateo Kovacic is a Croatia international who plays in midfield for Manchester City, a club in the Premier League. He has also played in Italy for Inter Milan, and reports have linked him with a possible return to Serie A, Italy’s top division.
Kovacic’s City contract is in its final year, and injuries limited him to nine appearances last season. Midfield roles at City may be more open while Rodri recovers from surgery, with several other players competing for places.
His future matters to City because midfielders help win and keep possession, and clubs must plan for both the current season and contracts nearing their end. Juventus and Inter are among the Italian clubs reported to be interested in him.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Manchester City's retention of Kovacic serves immediate squad needs and tactical continuity, with Rodri unavailable at season's start. His seven years at City mean he understands the system intimately, and his experience steadies a midfield influx of younger talent like Anderson and Reijnders. Even with limited availability, an experienced, intelligent midfielder benefits a title-contending squad during a period of transition.
The case against
Releasing Kovacic better serves both the club's long-term interests and the player's career needs. At 32, with recurring injuries limiting him to nine appearances last season, regular playing time seems unlikely at City, yet other elite clubs would offer him such opportunities. The club's substantial investment in younger midfielders with longer career horizons and better injury resilience suggests resources should concentrate there, allowing Kovacic a fitting conclusion to his time at Manchester City.