Mateo Kovacic is not very keen on leaving Manchester City for a Saudi Arabia switch, as he still wants to play at the highest levels.
According to Football Insider, Manchester City star Mateo Kovacic is not interested in a switch to Saudi Arabia following speculation. The Croat is on a long-term contract at the Etihad and wants to continue playing at the highest level, as he might feel a switch to the Middle East could be a step down at the moment.
Mateo Kovacic uninterested in Saudi Arabia switch
In the last few days, Mateo Kovacic has been linked with a switch to Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League after stories suggested Cristiano Ronaldo had recommended the midfielder as a potential signing. Other details emerged, like an £800,000-a-week salary over a long contract, which would essentially fuel the player’s temptation.
However, that’s not the case. Kovacic, who is on a £150,000-a-week contract at Manchester City until 2027, has no interest in leaving the top European leagues at this point. The Croatian midfielder feels he wants to play at the highest levels, and he might feel a move to the Saudi Pro League would be a step down at this moment in his career.
Manchester City will block any exit in the January transfer window, as further stories suggested Al-Nassr could potentially plot a raid in the winter months. Pep Guardiola considers Kovacic a key part of his squad for the current season and will feel his loss would deplete the midfield options.
Kovacic has been one of Manchester City’s star performers in the new season as he deputised for the injured Rodri in the opening three games. With Rodri back into the mix after the international break, there is a likelihood that the midfielder might not get the regular starts he would without the Spaniard in the squad. In any case, he is willing to take on the challenges ahead and fight for his place.
Gundogan arrival sparked Kovacic’s speculation
After a stunning start to the season, Kovacic was praised for his displays in Rodri’s absence. However, the return of Ilkay Gundogan from Barcelona gave rise to reports that Kovacic was considering his future in the final days of the window, although things did not transpire even when there were links to Turkish side Galatasaray.
Meanwhile, Kovacic’s stance to stay put at the club and potentially snub a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia shows the Croat is willing to fight off competition in the squad. The midfielder is only 30, and going by the standards he has set throughout his illustrious career, it is safe to assume he can operate at the highest levels for many more years to come.
