The Saudi Pro League has eyes on a City midfielder but a move appears an unlikely scenario | OneFootball

It has been a quiet news week this week for Manchester City. With domestic football on pause due to the international break and the transfer window having closed what could happen in the January transfer window is slowly becoming the focus of attention. With that in mind, the Saudi Pro League is reportedly plotting a January move for Mateo Kovacic. But their chances of signing Kovacic appear slim based on his start to the 24/25 season.

James Benge has reported for CBS Sports that Al-Nassr is keen to sign Mateo Kovacic in January. Furthermore, Benge reports that the Saudi Pro League are willing to pay Kovacic a weekly salary of over $1 million (US) to move to the Gulf State. Lastly, Benge reports that Al-Nassr striker Cristiano Ronaldo is keen on seeing Mateo Kovacic arrive at the club.

Based on the current form of Mateo Kovacic there appears to be little to no chance that they will contemplate selling the Croatian international.

There is no doubt that the rich salaries on offer from the Saudi Pro League could tempt any player. They are life-changing sums of money, even for the well-paid footballers of today. That fact cannot be disputed. But despite this fact, there appears to be little to no chance that City would contemplate selling Mateo Kovacic in January.

Mateo Kovacic has begun the 24/24 season in sublime form. He has been one of City’s best players over their first three Premier League matches. His strong form has allowed Pep Guardiola to rest Rodri as he returns to fitness. Kovacic has played the Rodri role to perfection to help his team make a perfect start to the new season. He looks set to be a prominent player for Manchester City this season. That would appear to rule out a January sale of Kovacic.

Also, another fact is the fact that the champions have such a busy schedule this season, which means a January sale of Kovacic doesn’t make sense. He has a key role to play for Pep Guardiola this season. It is unlikely that Guardiola would sanction a sale of Kovacic when he is a player that his team will be heavily reliant upon. That’s just two reasons that seem to indicate that a January move for Kovacic doesn’t seem a realistic scenario at this time.

It is clear to see why Al-Nassr is reportedly interested in signing Mateo Kovacic in January. He is a proven performer who would be a strong addition to any squad. But as it stands currently it is highly unlikely that Manchester City would let the Croatian international depart for the Saudi Pro League. He’s way too valuable to them. That fact should see this new story emerge as a non-starter barring anything drastic changing in the coming months.