Manchester City could be set to lose Mateo Kovacic on a free transfer next summer. According to Football Insider, the club's hierarchy currently has no plans to extend the 32-year-old midfielder's contract, which expires in June 2027.
The Croatian international stayed at the Etihad last summer despite interest from other clubs, hoping to prove his worth to new manager Enzo Mareska. However, he has struggled for game time, which may hinder his chances of making an impact.
The situation is further complicated by Manchester City's ongoing financial troubles. The club has appealed a decision that found them guilty of breaching Premier League rules and is awaiting the results of that appeal. The potential consequences create uncertainty around the future of many players at the club.
During a recent episode of the Transfer Insider podcast, a journalist from Football Insider commented:
Everything at City is currently in a state of limbo. This applies to Kovacic and other players too. Everyone is waiting to see how the appeal concludes and what sanctions might follow if the club is unable to overturn the decision.
According to the journalist, Kovacic is unlikely to be short of options should he leave Manchester as a free agent.
Next summer, Kovacic will have plenty of choices if he doesn't receive a new contract or chooses to see out his current agreement.
At present, there are no discussions about an extension, which suggests Kovacic will leave the club.
Kovacic made the switch to Manchester City from Chelsea in 2023 and has since played 102 matches for the club. Last season proved particularly challenging for him, as he made only nine appearances due to a serious Achilles injury.
However, potential departures from City may not stop with Kovacic. Football Insider previously reported that Ryan Cherki is also contemplating leaving the club if the team is kicked out of the Premier League.
The Frenchman has had a bright start to this season, netting four goals and providing two assists in just eight matches, catching the eye of several top European clubs.
Yet Cherki’s future hinges on the club’s possible sanctions, while Kovacic’s exit appears increasingly likely. If talks for a new contract do not commence, the Croatian could switch clubs as a free agent come the summer of 2027.
