Manchester City block Saudi Arabia exit for midfielder – Player in Pep Guardiola’s plans | OneFootball

Mateo Kovacic is firmly part of Pep Guardiola’s first-team plans for the forthcoming campaign, despite transfer interest from Saudi Arabia this summer.

The Croatian international’s future had been under quiet scrutiny in recent weeks, with his name surfacing as a potential exit candidate amid Manchester City’s wider midfield transition. But following recent developments, Kovacic appears set to remain at the Etihad for the 2025/26 season.

Kovacic joined City from Chelsea in a deal worth up to £30 million back in 2023 has gone on to enjoy steady if unspectacular two campaigns thus far with the club. While not always first-choice, the 31-year-old brought valuable experience and composure in midfield, filling in during periods of injury and rotation.

His tactical intelligence and press-resistance in tight spaces have long been valued by Pep Guardiola, and it now appears those traits have seen the club decide against sanctioning an early departure.

The discussion around Kovacic’s role at City intensified following the recent arrivals of Tijjani Reijnders and Nico Gonzalez – two midfielders expected to increase competition for starting roles this season. Reijnders, in particular, is tipped to challenge for immediate minutes.

Now, according to the information of the Manchester Evening News’ Simon Bajkowski, Mateo Kovacic is expected to be part of Pep Guardiola’s plans at City for the forthcoming campaign.

Additional reporting from journalist Fabrizio Romano has also revealed that Kovacić had received approaches from the Saudi Pro League in recent weeks but remains focused on City, where management and staff are also keen on keeping the player as part of Guardiola’s squad.

Kovacic is currently sidelined due to an Achilles injury, which further complicates any potential transfer, but there is a broader feeling internally that he still has a significant role to play – not just on the pitch, but also in terms of dressing room leadership and transitional experience within a changing midfield group.

With İlkay Gündoğan’s future also uncertain beyond this summer, and Kalvin Phillips certain to leave the club in the coming weeks, Manchester City’s midfield dynamic is still undergoing rebalancing.

City’s refusal to engage in discussions with Saudi suitors also reflects their stance in the broader market. While open to offers for players like James McAtee or Jack Grealish, Guardiola and his staff are unwilling to lose depth in key areas. In Kovacic’s case, his retention may be more about continuity.

Looking ahead, Mateo Kovacic’s role in the upcoming campaign may hinge on how well he recovers from injury and how Manchester City manage their opening run of fixtures with the expectance being that the squad returns to their exceptional high standards following a hugely difficult last season.

With Pep Guardiola also entering what may be his penultimate season at Manchester City, the emphasis is on experience, harmony, and adaptability. Mateo Kovacic certainly offers all three, and that could prove vital as the club aim to reclaim domestic dominance in 2025/26.