This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
Man City head coach Enzo Maresca has hinted that midfielder Mateo Kovacic will leave the Etihad before the transfer window closes.
The Croatian (who signed from Chelsea for £30m in 2023) has less than a year left on his contract, and asked whether an exit could be on the cards, Maresca suggested that Kovacic’s departure is a possibility:
“Mateo is our player, so while he is here I will do my best. If Mateo is here, we will continue to work with him. It is my duty to make players better.”
Maresca was less clear when speaking about Jack Grealish‘s future. The Italian was only prepared to say that the winger will train with the first team squad when they return from their pre-season tour:
“I didn’t speak with Jack while I am here. Jack is a City player. When we are back in Manchester, if he is fit, he will work with us.”
Where could Kovacic go if he leaves Man City?
A return to former club Inter Milan has been mentioned as an option, while there are believed to be teams in Turkey and Saudi Arabia interested as well.
However, unless negotiations are going on behind the scenes, Kovacic’s exit doesn’t appear to be imminent.
Get a brand new 26/27 Man City authentic away shirt from Fanatics here
Everton still want to sign Grealish
The Toffees did not take up their option to buy the 30-year-old for £50m after his loan at the Hill Dickinson Stadium was cut short by a foot injury.
Grealish is currently still in rehabilitation, but he is expected to be back training later this month.
There is still a chance that the England international moves back to Merseyside on a permanent basis, but a compromise may need to be found on the transfer fee. City will be looking to get as much back as possible from the £100m they paid for the player five years ago.