It seems like only a matter of time until Jack Grealish leaves Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola suggested Grealish is leaving and admitted that it is imperative for a player of his calibre to be starting regularly.
The England international’s time at the Etihad Stadium has largely been a disappointment, with the player largely been on the periphery of things since his move to 2021.
While Manchester City are struggling to sell Grealish, he is no longer in their plans and they are happy to let him depart this summer.
Man City should sell Mateo Kovacic this summer
Aside from the former Aston Villa winger, another player who City should offload is Mateo Kovacic.
While Kovacic has impressed for Manchester City at times, he has largely just been a decent addition since leaving Chelsea to sign for them two years ago.
Mateo Kovacic carrying the ball for Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
More Man City News
The Croatian international did not have his best season, as he understandably looked out of sorts as a makeshift holding midfielder but the truth is that even further forward, there are plenty of flaws in the former Inter Milan technician’s game.
Kovacic relies far too much on carrying the ball to impact proceedings but his long-range passing, decision-making regarding when to keep things simple and athleticism leave a lot to be desired.
Manchester City signed Kovacic for £25 million and based on the fee, it cannot be denied that he has had his highs as well, especially in his debut season where the midfielder stood out in the title run-in.
But at 31 years of age and with just two years left on his contract, Manchester City should move the decorated dribbler on and add more fresh legs into their squad after their midfield was often torn apart last season.
With Bernardo Silva being Manchester City’s captain now, he is likely to play regular football in the number eight role, as are the likes of new signing, Tijjani Reijnders, the experienced Ilkay Gundogan and the talented Nico Gonzalez.
TIJJANI REIJNDERS’ GAME TIME AT FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP
APPEARANCES 3/4
STARTS 3/4
Rodri is set to be fully-fit in time for the 2025/2026 season and with Nico also capable of filling in for him, Kovacic does not have much of a role in the squad.
Why Pep Guardiola could struggle to sell Mateo Kovacic
However, offloading the Linz-born man will be easier said than done for Pep Guardiola and Co.
Kovacic is nursing a heel injury, which he was set to undergo surgery for and if he is not fit before the summer transfer window closes, potential suitors might steer clear of the Manchester City star.
With Manchester City having a maximum of 17 non-homegrown players as per the Premier League rules, moving the silky technician on might help the Sky Blues potentially bring in another foreign star.