Manchester City are eager to keep Mateo Kovacic for next season but where does he fit? | OneFootball

Mateo Kovacic is currently continuing his rehabilitation from surgery he had on a troublesome Achilles issue at the end of last season. It is expected that Kovacic will be out of action until September as per a report from Sports Mole. While Kovacic continues his recovery a new report indicates that Manchester City are eager to keep the Croatian midfielder at the club for next season. Trying to work out where Kovacic fits into Pep Guardiola’s squad when he returns to full fitness is no easy task when looking at Manchester City’s midfield options.

Manchester City are eager to keep Mateo Kovacic at the club.

Ahad Shaukat has relayed a report from Fabrizio Romano for CaughtOffside that Manchester City have rejected offers from Saudi Pro League clubs for Mateo Kovacic. Furthermore, it is reported that Kovacic is only focused on playing for Manchester City. It has also been reported that Pep Guardiola and the City hierarchy are keen on keeping Kovacic as a member of the City squad.

When fit, where does Mateo Kovacic fit into Pep Guardiola’s squad?

Last season Mateo Kovacic made 42 appearances in all competitions for Manchester City. In Rodri’s absence, Kovacic stepped up for Pep Guardiola’s side. The Croatian midfielder deserves credit for his efforts last season. But entering the 25/26 season, Manchester City have signed Tijjani Reijnders and Rodri should be back at full fitness at some point. There is also Bernardo Silva, Nico and Ilkay Gundogan who will play in midfield for Pep Guardiola’s side. The possibility also exists that Rico Lewis and Nico O’Reilly push for midfield minutes next season. It is hard to see where Mateo Kovacic will fit when he returns to full fitness.

Perhaps, given his age, Kovacic will be a squad or backup player. Mateo Kovacic is 31 years of age. He is also coming of surgery from an Achilles injury. They do take time for a player to recover from. Where Kovacic fits into City’s squad isn’t an issue as of right now. But it is difficult to see where he fits to play regularly. As the season plays out that may change. But for right now, Kovacic may have to settle for a backup role in Pep Guardiola’s squad.