Al-Nassr plot $52 million annual wage offer to Manchester City midfielder after Cristiano Ronaldo recommendation | OneFootball

Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic is set to become the latest player to be offered a big-money switch to Saudi Arabia.

The 30-year-old is the third Manchester City midfielder to be linked with a major move to the Middle East, following continued interest in both Kevin De Bruyne and Matheus Nunes throughout the recent summer transfer window.

The Saudi Pro League adopted a more cautious approach to spending during the summer, although Joao Cancelo completed a permanent move to Al-Hilal from the Etihad Stadium, becoming the third Manchester City player to move to Saudi Arabia.

Manchester City and Croatia star Mateo Kovacic could become Saudi Arabia’s latest major target, despite the 30-year-old having only just embarked on his second season in east Manchester, after moving from Chelsea in an initial £25 million deal in 2023.

The Croatian, who has enjoyed a glittering career, has already made 50 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side, and scored during a 0-2 win at Stamford Bridge last month.

Kovacic is contracted at Manchester City until 2027, however the 30-year-old is reportedly set to be targeted in the January transfer window with a pay package worth over $1M a week, with a prospective transfer ‘heavily championed’ by Cristiano Ronaldo.

The mouthwatering wage offer, which would amount to $52 million annually, is ‘designed to snare the midfielder’ into swapping the Etihad Stadium for the Middle East in 2025, according to CBS Sports.

Al-Nassr had reportedly even considered making Kovacic a ‘marquee summer Deadline Day signing’ but were unable to shift Sadio Mane and create the international space needed attempt a deal to sign the 30-year-old.

The Saudi Arabian club, who also employ former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte, view Kovacic as ‘potentially transformative’ and intend to make a ‘sizeable offer’ in January.

The midfielder, who is currently involved in UEFA Nations League fixtures, has started all four of Manchester City’s matches so far this season, including the FA Community Shield triumph against Manchester United at Wembley Stadium.

Al-Nassr are the second club to register an interest in the 30-year-old, following attempts from Galatasaray to bring the midfielder to Turkey.