- Matteo Kovacic started against Southampton
- Midfielder still seen as important
- Summer move not ruled out
Mateo Kovacic still has a role to play at Manchester City after recovering from injury, but this does not mean he has a long-term future at the club.
Manchester City have been without Mateo Kovacic for almost the entire season. The 32-year-old was out after having achilles tendon surgery at the beginning of the campaign.
He then went on to make only two appearances before picking up an ankle injury which was only overcome this month.
Kovacic completed his comeback at Stamford Bridge and he has now made his first start of the season since last May, playing 58 minutes against Southampton.
Mateo Kovacic still has a place at Man City
The Citizens have plenty of midfield options, and have managed to steer towards a domestic treble triumph without requiring Kovacic’s help.
However, the Croatia international is still seen as a valuable member of Pep Guardiola’s squad, according to The Athletic.
Despite this, it is thought that City could receive some offers for Kovacic in the summer, particularly if he does well at the World Cup.
Man City must make a decision on Kovacic’s future
Kovacic’s injury struggles have been a major inconvenience, and it is hard for City to choose whether he should be offered a new contract after the best part of a year on the sidelines.
Ultimately, Man City must either choose to renew his deal or sell up this summer, as Kovacic’s contract expires next year.
Keeping him one more season before losing him on a free transfer is an option. After all, this is what has happened with Bernardo Silva.
Nevertheless, it would be beneficial for City to secure a transfer fee if Kovacic does leave the club within the next 14 months.
City could have a new look midfield next season
Silva’s Man City exit has already been confirmed and Rodri’s future is still very much up in the air, with a Real Madrid move having been discussed.
Tijjani Reijnders is attracting interest from several clubs and Nico Gonzalez has a list of admirers which could well grow after his heroics on Saturday.
Therefore, City could be busy browsing midfielders this summer, as it seems likely at least one player will follow in Silva’s footsteps and move at the end of the season.
