Manchester City have given Mateo Kovacic the green light to find a new club as doubts over his future at the Etihad Stadium continue to grow, according to new reports.
Kovacic, 32, could join a host of personnel who have already left the club, including Bernardo Silva, John Stones, Nathan Ake, and legendary manager Pep Guardiola.
Injury woes at the Etihad
Ill-fated injury history in recent seasons has stifled Kovacic’s opportunities at City. In June last year, the Croatia midfielder had to undergo surgery on an Achilles issue before a troublesome rehabilitation phase forced him to bear another operation.
Kovacic returned to training in February and was able to see out the remainder of a close-knit Premier League run-in that saw City miss out on the title to Arsenal.
Anderson arrival deepens the doubt
As well as his fitness, the £116 million signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest has also depleted Kovacic’s hopes of an active 2026/27 season under Maresca.
City had reportedly been willing to enter the race for Sandro Tonali, but Tottenham Hotspur have since sealed a £100 million move for the Newcastle United midfielder.
Now, according toFootball Insider, Kovacic has been described as a “surplus to requirements” and, with only a year remaining on his contract, will be looking for a new club.
City career and legacy
Kovacic joined City from Chelsea in 2023 and has since made 97 appearances for the club, providing experience and stability in a midfield that acted as the heart of all the success of Guardiola.
World Cup form with Croatia
Even while fighting last season’s injury struggles, Kovacic managed to earn a call-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and has displayed remarkable efforts against Ghana and Portugal, where he displayed his natural ability to add depth, intensity and guile.
In the Portugal game, Kovacic had a close effort turned onto the post by Diogo Costa at 1-1 and could have been Croatia's hero on the day, but his efforts were discarded when Goncalo Ramos scored a 94th-minute winner to send Cristiano Ronaldo's nation through.