Manchester City have emerged as the odds on favorite to sign want away Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic.
After what seemed like a several month long waiting game to sign Napoli midfielder Jorginho, Pep Guardiola and Co. have now turned their attentions to Real Madrid and Croatia midfielder Mateo Kovacic, after Chelsea’s last minute swoop for the Italian.
Currently, Kovacic is in the midst of preparing for what will be the most important game of his career as Croatia are set to take on France in Sunday’s World Cup final.
As is the same with Real Madrid, Kovacic finds himself being overshadowed by elite players, with the likes of Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic receiving all the fanfare in the national side.
The talented Croatian finds himself looking for minutes at his club in a Madrid midfield stacked with the likes of the Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Isco, and the aforementioned Modric. This of course has left Kovacic frustrated at the prospect of constantly being on the bench.
Kovacic himself has only added to recent speculation on his departure, telling Spanish publication Marca, “I would like to play more at Real Madrid…I believe the best thing for me would be to go to another club where I’d have the opportunity to play regularly as a starter.”
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Kovacic went on to to say that he is unhappy with his playing time at Real as it has affected his status with the Croatian national team, stating that is why he believes a discussion on his future and subsequent transfer needs to be done as soon as possible.
Various media reports have stated that City manager Pep Guardiola has kept a watchful eye on the midfielder and has tabbed him as a potential addition to his already fantastic squad. With Jorginho now heading to Stamford Bridge, interest from the English champions will likely rise.
Real Madrid will have crucial leverage in negotiations with any suitors for Kovacic as the Croatian has a €300 million release clause inserted in a contract that lasts until 2021 and his club has not shown any signs of wanting to sell the talented midfielder.
Should Real allow Kovacic the move he so desperately desires, City would be the surefire favorite to sign him.
Will Real Madrid allow Mateo Kovacic to leave the Spanish capital? If so, who do you think will get his signature?