VfB Stuttgart defensive midfielder attracting transfer interest from Manchester City | OneFootball

Manchester City are potentially positioning themselves to make a second approach in less than 12 months for one of the Bundesliga’s most highly-rated midfield talents.

Pep Guardiola’s side continue to track emerging talent across Europe as part of their wider recruitment strategy, with the Etihad Stadium’s hierarchy maintaining strong links in Germany.

Manchester City’s scouting and academy network, led by former VfB Stuttgart academy director Thomas Krücken, has been active in identifying technically-gifted midfielders capable of fitting into the club’s tactical structure and possession-based philosophy.

City’s recent youth market activity has seen them look towards emerging profiles such as Sverre Nypan, Claudio Echeverri, and Divine Mukasa, as they continue to blend homegrown potential with continental talent.

Mirza Catovic now appears to be one of the latest names under serious consideration – a sign that City’s interest in top-tier youth development across Europe remains undiminished following their recent transfer focus on attacking and creative midfield roles.

According to the information of Sky Deutschland, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Manchester City are ‘closely observing’ VfB Stuttgart’s highly-rated defensive midfielder.

The 18-year-old, who is described as one of the German club’s ‘top talents’ and has been a key part of their reserve team, may be subject to a second attempt from Manchester City in less than a year to sign the versatile midfielder.

It is revealed that City’s academy director Thomas Krücken – who spent four years at Stuttgart between 2019 and 2023 and signed Catovic for the club – wanted to lure him to the Etihad Stadium in January, before the player opted to sign a new contract until 2028 in February.

The teenager’s background at Stuttgart offers further appeal to Manchester City’s recruitment team. Having joined the Bundesliga side from Rot-Weiss Frankfurt in 2022, Catovic has risen quickly through the academy system, featuring for their Under-17s, Under-19s, and reserve squad.

Though yet to make his senior debut, the youngster has already been included in two Europa League matchday squads – an indication of his growing status within the club’s plans. His versatility to operate as a defensive midfielder, central midfielder, or even as a centre-back provides an additional layer of attraction for a side like City.

Given Thomas Krücken’s previous role in Stuttgart’s academy setup, there is a natural familiarity with Catovic’s development and personality – something that may yet prove influential should Manchester City decide to revisit their approach earlier this year.

The player’s long-term deal in Germany would, however, make any move complex, with Stuttgart likely to demand a significant fee for one of their brightest prospects.

For City, any renewed pursuit of Catovic would align with the club’s broader plan to future-proof their midfield department. With senior stars such as Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic entering the latter stages of their careers, and younger talents like O’Reilly and Mukasa emerging, the club are expected to balance first-team readiness with elite potential signings.