Kovacic eyes January exit from City after Fernandez signing ends his regular role

Mateo Kovacic is pushing for a January transfer away from Manchester City after the summer arrival of Enzo Fernandez effectively ended his prospects of regular first-team football at the Etihad Stadium, according to Croatian publication Sporteske Novosti.

The 30-year-old has featured just four times this season, with his only start coming in the Carabao Cup third-round win over Norwich City, where he captained the side. He has been an unused substitute in each of City’s last two Premier League fixtures, slipping behind summer signings Elliot Anderson, Ayyoub Bouaddi, and Fernandez in Maresca’s midfield pecking order.

Kovacic had reportedly received assurances from both Maresca and sporting director Hugo Vian that he would play a significant role this season. The deadline-day signing of Fernandez from Chelsea — a move Maresca himself advocated for — prompted Kovacic to attempt a late exit from City before the summer window closed. Opportunities in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Italy were explored but no transfer could be finalised in time.

The midfielder joined City from Chelsea in 2023 for £30 million and had established himself as a regular starter before an ankle injury disrupted most of last season. He returned to full fitness in time for the summer’s European Championship with Croatia and arrived back at City in good health, only to find the squad landscape had shifted around him.

With fewer than 12 months remaining on his contract, City hold an option to extend on a reduced salary. Should Kovacic decline that offer, he would be free to leave on a free transfer at the end of the season. A winter move remains a third possibility, and reports suggest the amount of playing time he receives between now and January will likely determine which route he takes.

Maresca, speaking during pre-season when Kovacic’s future was already uncertain, declined to offer guarantees. “Mateo is our player, so while he is here I will do my best,” the head coach said. “If Mateo is here, we will continue to work with him. It is my duty to make players better.”

Before joining City, Kovacic spent four seasons at Chelsea, making 221 appearances and playing a key role in the side that won the Champions League in 2021.