Manchester City are not interested in letting Mateo Kovacic leave the club in January amid Al-Nassr’s interest in the Croatian midfielder.
According to Football Insider, Manchester City are unlikely to sanction a sale of Mateo Kovacic in January amid Al-Nassr’s interest in the midfielder. The Croat is considered a key part of Pep Guardiola’s side this season and beyond, as they will resist the temptation even if a sizeable offer comes in.
Manchester City not selling Mateo Kovacic
Manchester City had a quieter window this summer, with Pep Guardiola deciding against major incomings despite a few key departures. Julian Alvarez’s sale sparked speculation that the Catalan manager would like to bring a big-name attacker beyond the pre-agreed deal for Savinho from sister club Troyes.
Ilkay Gundogan also arrived from Barcelona in what appeared like an opportunity Guardiola would not have thought twice about, as they have a place for the German in the side. His arrival did spark rumours that Mateo Kovacic was considering his future at the club despite a solid start to the campaign in the absence of crucial midfielder Rodri.
In fact, Al-Nassr are keen on the midfielder, with the report stating that Cristiano Ronaldo has recommended the club sign the Croatian midfielder. The story also points to a considerable salary package worth £800,000-a-week wages on a long contract, with such a proposal likely to turn the 30-year-old’s head or anyone else’s for that matter.
Manchester City have no plans to entertain any offers for Mateo Kovacic at present and will likely block all approaches, especially in January. The midfielder adds value to Guardiola’s setup, and he will not risk losing the 30-year-old Croat in the middle of the season, meaning that the four-time Champions League winner will stay at the club until next summer.
Manchester City’s Saudi relationship
Manchester City have had a decent relationship with the Saudi Pro League, which has benefitted in the way of signing at least three notable players from the Premier League champions in the recent past. Riyad Mahrez, Aymeric Laporte and recently Joao Cancelo made the moves to the Middle-East.
In terms of blocking any potential move for Kovacic, Manchester City have been ready to sell Matheus Nunes, as the club were anticipating offers for the Portuguese midfielder from other leagues and the Saudi Pro League. Hence, if the Saudi Pro League side, especially Al-Nassr, insist on bringing in a midfielder from Manchester City, Nunes might be a solid option for them to consider among the 2023 signings.
