In his 142 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, Mateo Kovacic netted four goals.
Manchester City is on the verge of signing Chelsea midfielder, Mateo Kovacic, while Ilkay Gundogan is set to leave. These are the first shifts within the squad that clinched the Treble last season, but more changes are expected.
The Croatian international, aged 29, is anticipated to join for an initial £25m, potentially escalating to £30m. His arrival was believed to fortify City’s midfield options.
However, shortly after this announcement, it was revealed that Gundogan, the German midfielder, would be transferring to Barcelona for free in the summer, making Kovacic’s signing more comprehensible.
With 69 passes per 90 minutes last season, Kovacic’s tally was the fifth-highest among central midfielders who played regularly in the Premier League.
Kovacic, boasting four Champions League victories, three with Real Madrid, brings in the experience that City will lose with Gundogan’s exit.
Similar to Gundogan, Kovacic can play more forward, although he is more defensive-minded. Yet, his seven appearances per goal contribution fall behind Gundogan’s three.
In 491 club appearances, Kovacic has only scored 24 goals, compared to Gundogan’s impressive 110 in his 557 career appearances.
Gundogan, aged 32, proved to be an influential factor in City’s season, scoring six goals in his last seven games, including a crucial brace in the 2-1 FA Cup final triumph over Manchester United.
Guardiola was certainly reluctant to lose his captain. With Jude Bellingham opting for Real Madrid, could Kovacic be the planned replacement?
Simon Stone from Sport Newes Center speculates, “Guardiola might not stop at Kovacic. There’s always uncertainty surrounding Bernardo Silva, while Riyad Mahrez lost his starting place by the season’s end, generating interest. Aymeric Laporte could also be in jeopardy given his desire to secure his position in Spain’s Euro 2024 squad.”
Let’s consider some possible changes this summer.
Kyle Walker, the England defender, is reportedly eager to exit Manchester City, with Bayern Munich being a potential destination. The 33-year-old has secured the Premier League title five times in his six seasons at the club, but lost favor recently.
Aymeric Laporte, the Spanish defender aged 29, might also be on his way out after falling out of the team’s favor.
Joao Cancelo, the Portuguese full-back, could conceivably return to the Etihad Stadium after a less-than-satisfactory loan at Bayern Munich.
Kalvin Phillips, the English international, claims he will stay at the club despite only starting 10 games last season following a £45m move from Leeds. However, Gundogan’s exit might not offer him more playtime, considering Kovacic’s arrival.
Riyad Mahrez, the Algerian winger aged 32, is among the many European-based players being associated with a summer move to Saudi Arabia.
Bernardo Silva, the Portuguese forward aged 28, is being rumored for a potential move away, with Paris St-Germain and Saudi Arabia touted as possible destinations.
Stay tuned for more updates, analysis, and fan views on Manchester City.
Get Man City news notifications and never miss any update. Our coverage of Manchester City is more extensive and better than ever. Find all the best content about City in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Manchester City Squad Changes
What changes are happening at Manchester City with Mateo Kovacic’s signing and Ilkay Gundogan’s departure?
Mateo Kovacic’s signing and Ilkay Gundogan’s departure are the first changes at Manchester City’s squad. Kovacic brings experience and midfield depth, while Gundogan’s exit opens up opportunities for other players. However, more changes may occur as the transfer window progresses. Potential departures include Kyle Walker, Aymeric Laporte, Joao Cancelo, Kalvin Phillips, Riyad Mahrez, and Bernardo Silva. Stay tuned for updates on Manchester City’s squad changes.
More about Manchester City Squad Changes
- Mateo Kovacic’s Profile on Chelsea’s Official Website
- Ilkay Gundogan’s Transfer to Barcelona Confirmed
- Manchester City’s Official Website
- Transfer News and Rumors on Sky Sports
- Latest Football News on ESPN
4 comments
Can’t believe we’re signin’ Kovacic, gonna be solid! But losing Gundogan hurts, man. Walker’s exit rumors? Laporte too? Hope Cancelo comes back strong. Let’s keep the faith! #MCFCFamily
Kovacic’s passin’ game gonna add some flair! But why Gundogan gotta leave? He was on fire! Big summer ahead for City, changes on the horizon. Let’s see who stays n who goes. #MCFC
Kovacic brings experience to the midfield, but gonna miss Gundogan’s goals! Will Walker really leave? Laporte’s future uncertain too. Hope City can keep the squad strong. #TrustInPep
woww!! mancity signin’ Kovacic n losin’ Gundogan! big changes ahead. but there cud b more? Walker n Laporte might go, Cancelo might come back, n Phillips n Mahrez linked away. #TransferSeason