Kovacic could be allowed to leave Manchester City.placeholder image
Kovacic could be allowed to leave Manchester City. | Getty Images
The Manchester City midfielder could be allowed to leave the Etihad Stadium and, somewhat forebodingly, would come with the approval of Graham Potter.
West Ham are in desperate need of some added bite in midfield after a dreadful start to the season that has seen the London outfit lack stability at the back and creativity going forward.
Nuno Espirito Santo is set to receive the backing of the Hammers board come the January transfer window as the club looks to avoid a relegation dogfight. A centre-back and talisman are top of the shopping list, but so too is a central midfielder.
James Ward-Prowse has been axed under the former Nottingham Forest boss with rising star Freddie Potts also struggling for minutes despite his impressive loan at Portsmouth last term. CaughtOffside believe that West Ham could turn to Premier League rivals Manchester City to find new blood.
West Ham and Aston Villa eye Manchester City swoop
That could come in Manchester City man Mateo Kovacic, who is also said to be admired by Aston Villa. The 31-year-old, who has made 111 appearances for Croatia, was signed by the Cityzens from Chelsea in 2024 for £30 million.
Kovacic has played just 37 minutes so far this season as he continues to recover from a long-term Achilles tendon injury. The midfielder’s minutes are set to increase but it’s expected that the player will struggle for gametime when first choice Rodri is back to full fitness.
The Manchester City man could be open to a move to Aston Villa or West Ham in the search for more guaranteed game time. Serie A giants AC Milan are also named as a club monitoring a potential January transfer and could be frontrunners thanks to the lure of compatriot Luka Modric already being at the club.
Kovacic has just 20 months left on his Manchester City contract, which could mean that the Premier League side allow a permanent sale rather than just a winter loan move. The player has received praise for his efforts in the Premier League, including from former West Ham manager Graham Potter.
Kovacic praised by ex West Ham boss Graham Potter
Given how the Hammers fared under Potter, news that a potential incoming used to be somewhat of a favourite under the coach at Chelsea may not be all that reassuring. Kovacic became a vital player in Potter’s work at Stamford Bridge, earning the captaincy armband at times.
Speaking about the player in 2023, Potter said: “He’s been the captain in the last two games, which tells you how influential he is. He’s a fantastic guy, I really like him. He is determined, has character, courage, and is prepared to take the ball in tight situations. What he’s achieved in his career with his national team and here at Chelsea, he is an important player for us.”
Potter also said: “Kovacic’s introductions have always been positive, whether it’s from the start or off the bench. He’s a fantastic person, great in the group, everybody knows his quality; he can take the ball, eliminate people in one-v-one situations. It’s nice for him to score as well. He’s a really important member of the group.”
In other news, Rob Green urges West Ham to re-introduce Big Sam training exercise after Leeds United defeat.
Continue Reading