The former Chelsea midfielder is now working with ex-Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca at Manchester City
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca before the Carabao Cup Third Round match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester.
Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is working with some former Blues players at Man City.(Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)
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Former Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic is reportedly pushing for an exit from Manchester City due to concerns over regular playing time under Enzo Maresca.
The Croatian moved from Stamford Bridge to the Etihad Stadium in 2023, with Chelsea receiving a £30 million fee. He had been a regular starter for City in his first two campaigns, but he missed most of last season due to an ankle injury.
The 32-year-old faced a race against time to return to fitness in time for this summer’s World Cup, something which he managed to do. He is now available for selection for City, but their summer transfer activity has made game time difficult.
Kovacic has made four appearances so far this season, but he has only started the Carabao Cup third round win over Norwich City, where he wore the captain’s armband. The midfielder has been an unused substitute for the last two Premier League games.
He has found himself behind summer signings Elliot Anderson, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Enzo Fernandez in the pecking order. Croatian outlet Sporteske Novosti claim that Kovacic was assured by both Maresca and City sporting director, Hugo Vian, that he would be an important player and would get regular minutes this season.
However, the deadline day signing of Fernandes from Chelsea, which Maresca pushed for, resulted in Kovacic trying to secure a late move away from City. It’s said that he had options in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Italy, but couldn’t get a move over the line.
Enzo Maresca celebrates the 2-1 win with Mateo Kovacic during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester City and AFC Bournemouth at Etihad Stadium.
Mateo Kovacic and Enzo Maresca at Man City.(Image: Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images)
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He has less than a year remaining on his current contract with City, but it’s added there there is an option to extend the contract on a reduced salary. If he opts against that, then he could leave for nothing at the end of his deal next summer.
Another option would be to try to complete a move away from the club in the winter transfer window. What he chooses to do could depend on the game time he gets between now and then.
Speaking during pre-season, Maresca failed to give assurances over Kovacic's future with the midfielder linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium. "Mateo is our player, so while he is here I will do my best.," he said.
"If Mateo is here, we will continue to work with him. It is my duty to make players better."
Before moving to City, Kovacic spent four years with Chelsea. In that time he made 221 appearances for the club, scoring six goals and was a key part of the team who won the 2021 Champions League.