The start of the season ended up meeting the expectations of a Manchester City team that failed to achieve its goals last season but came back strong in 2025/26 to rival the main contenders for the Premier League title. Thinking about having alternatives for the huge workload, Guardiola has already mapped out an important reinforcement with the January transfer market in mind.
The start of the season ended up meeting the expectations of a Manchester City team that failed to achieve its goals last season but came back strong in 2025/26 to rival the main contenders for the Premier League title. Thinking about having alternatives for the huge workload, Guardiola has already mapped out an important reinforcement with the January transfer market in mind.
The player was spotted by former Stuttgart academy manager Thomas Krücken, who brought him into the youth team in 2022. Since then, he has been gaining prominence and is currently a key player in the reserve team. Although he is often part of the main squad, the teenager has not yet made his professional debut. Even so, several top European clubs are closely following his progress.
Manchester City will need to convince player to move countries
His contract with Stuttgart runs until the summer of 2028, but it is unlikely that he will remain there for long, given the number of clubs interested in him. Manchester City is among those showing the greatest interest in signing him. Krücken, who currently serves as City's academy manager, attempted to lure him to Manchester in early 2025. However, Catović turned down the offer and chose to extend his stay at the German club.
The young Serbian has no desire to leave Stuttgart at this point: he wants to establish himself as a starter in the first team before taking the next step in his career, and both sides seem satisfied with his progress. Meanwhile, Manchester City may have to wait to finalize the deal. As Catović is determined to consolidate his position in Stuttgart's first team, his future will depend on the number of opportunities he is offered in the coming months.