Midfielder considering future at Manchester City amid lucrative Saudi Arabia transfer possibility

Manchester City could be faced with a battle to retain the services of Mateo Kovacic in the coming months, with new reports detailing the possibility of an Etihad exit.

The Croatian international has been inspired form at the start of the new season, adopting the role of lone defensive midfielder in the Manchester City system whilst in the absence of mainstay Rodrigo due to a shortness of match fitness.

Whilst also adding an eye for goal into his game during the opening three matches, having scored the match-sealing goal against Chelsea in the Premier League’s opener, Kovacic has starred alongside support from Rico Lewis in the inverted full-back role.

However, with Ilkay Gundogan re-signing for Manchester City from FC Barcelona on a free transfer towards the end of the summer transfer window and Rodri edging closer towards full match sharpness, Kovacic may see his opportunities decline to some extent.

That feeling also coincides with fresh reports linking the player with strong and growing interest from Saudi Arabia, with Mateo Kovacic viewed as a potentially transformative signing for the division in the coming future.

Now, according to the information of Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Kovacic is said to be ‘considering his future’ at the Etihad Stadium following Ilkay Gundogan’s return to the club in the summer.

Should the Croatia international decide that his future is best suited away from Manchester City, the report details that the 30-year-old would be able to secure a “lucrative” package in Saudi Arabia during the upcoming January transfer window.

However, from the viewpoint of Manchester City and the stance taken on Kovacic, it is further explained that Pep Guardiola is certainly not looking to weaken his squad in January and as such would not be willing to let the former Chelsea and Real Madrid man leave.

Recent reports elsewhere in Europe have tipped Kovacic with interest specifically from Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr, with Kovacic’s former teammate at Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo, endorsing the potential approach for the Manchester City man.

When it comes to finances, City would no doubt demand a significant fee for a player they have contracted until the summer of 2027, and Saudi Arabian officials would also have to put together a healthy financial package for Kovacic himself.

One recent report has also gone as far as to suggest that Mateo Kovacic was the subject of deadline day interest from Saudi Arabia last week, however Al-Nassr’s inability to shift Sadio Mane and create the international space prevented any move from taking place.