Man City
Mick Brown
Tue 1 April 2025 11:50, UK
Mateo Kovacic could leave Man City this summer as Pep Guardiola continues plans to overhaul his first-team squad at the Etihad.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that up to six players could be allowed to leave the club this summer.
After £180million was spent on the arrivals of Abdukodir Khusanov, Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis and Nico Gonzalez in January, City’s big-spending plans are set to continue.
Kovacic, 30, is no longer believed to be a part of their long-term plans for the future after struggling to impress when called upon to fill in during Rodri’s absence.
He has started just one of City’s last five Premier League games since the arrival of Gonzalez and is expected to fall further down the pecking order this summer.
A new midfielder has become one of the priorities at the Etihad as the futures of Kevin de Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva and Rodri remain uncertain.
Mateo Kovacic could leave Man City this summer. (Credit: Imago)
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
Man City plan to sell Mateo Kovacic amid summer overhaul
Brown told Football Insider in February that Man City are planning five top-class signings to add to their squad amid concerns about the futures of several first-team stars.
Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted players could be allowed to leave as their time at City has come to an end.
“He’s never going to be the first choice there,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s a player they’ve used in emergencies, and I think that’s a position they’re going to look to strengthen again in the summer.
“So you wonder where he fits in their plans – I’m not entirely convinced he is a part of those plans.
“He may well be interested in a move away too in that case, to be a regular starter elsewhere.
“There are so many players in the City team at the moment who they’re looking to replace.
“It’s never been like this before, but they’re asking questions about five or six players who I expect they’re going to look to move on.
*“That will then allow them to bring in these reinforcements to improve Guardiola’s options.*“
Man City manager Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola will oversee a squad overhaul this summer. (Credit: Imago)
Pep Guardiola eyes “superstar” summer signings
As a number of first-team players are expected to leave the Etihad this summer, Man City are also assessing their options for potential replacements.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider on 31 March that City will sign a superstar replacement for Ederson if he leaves the club.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed that City want AC Milan star Tijjani Reijnders and are prepared to sell three players to make room for his arrival.
Kovacic, De Bruyne and Silva have all been earmarked as potential departures as they would allow Guardiola to clear the wage bill and raise some funds.
For more Man City and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.
Related Posts