An experienced Manchester City midfielder may be more important to Enzo Maresca than first thought | OneFootball

Mateo Kovacic endured a frustrating 2025-26 season. He only made nine appearances in all competitions for Manchester City, playing a grand total of only 242 minutes. A troublesome Achilles issue cost Kovacic the 2025-26 season. However, at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Kovacic had a strong campaign with Croatia. He showed that he remains a quality midfielder when fully fit. Kovacic’s quality is not in doubt, if his injury issues are behind him he could play an important squad role for Enzo Maresca next season. Kovacic could be crucial for Manchester City given the amount of experienced players who have departed the club since the 2025-26 season ended.

Provided that Mateo Kovacic doesn’t leave Manchester City this summer, his experience may make him important for Enzo Maresca.

Sam Lee reported in the Athletic’s Transfer DealSheet segment earlier this week that a summer exit from Manchester City for Mateo Kovacic was considered likely. However, Sam Lee also reported that Kovacic has one year remaining on his contract and as such he could be a useful midfield option for Enzo Maresca next season.

There is certainly merit to that idea. Mateo Kovacic is a quality midfielder when he is fully fit. His ability to drive the ball forward with his powerful dribbling from midfield,  and his defence-splitting passing, could be something that Enzo Maresca turns to. Also, Kovacic always puts in a shift when called upon. His effort can never be questioned and there is room for that type of player in the Manchester City squad. Especially if you consider pairing Kovacic with Elliot Anderson, for example, to allow Kovacic to play in his preferred midfield role.

Mateo Kovacic is one of the more experienced, and senior, members of the Manchester City squad. That cannot be overlooked either. As previously mentioned, City have lost a host of experienced players already this summer. Due to this, you could see City keeping Kovacic due to what he offers on the pitch and due to his experience, which City will need.

Final thoughts.

No one is advocating for Mateo Kovacic to become a consistent starter in midfield for Manchester City. That wouldn’t seem to be his role. However, Kovacic could be an important squad player for Enzo Maresca. With his experience and ability, Kovacic may be more important to Enzo Maresca’s side than first thought. Kovacic remains a more than useful midfielder and when the going gets tough, his experience could be something that City turn to next season.