Manchester City are in the picture to sign VfB Stuttgart’s Mirza Catovic.
That’s at least what Sky Deutschland are reporting, and they say the 18-year-old is being observed closely by Manchester City.
The defensive midfielder left Rot-Weiss Frankfurt to be part of the Bundesliga club’s youth system in 2022. He climbed through the ranks and represented Stuttgart’s U17, U19 and their reserve team.
Sky say Catovic is one of the German club’s ‘top talents’ and has been a key part of their reserve team.
The youngster has been in the squad for two Europa League matches but is yet to make his senior debut. His potential has caught Manchester City’s attention.
Sky report the Citizens are closely monitoring Catovic, who can also operate as a centre-back and a central midfielder. They may be positioning themselves for a second attempt to sign him.
Manchester City academy director Thomas Krücken spent four years at Stuttgart between 2019 and 2023. He signed the midfielder for the German club and wanted to lure him to the Premier League club in January. Catovic, however, opted to sign a new contract [until 2028] in February.
Although Manchester City are keeping close tabs on him, Catovic’s desire is to establish himself at Stuttgart. A potential move will depend on whether or not he’ll get chances with the first team.