Man City and Atletico Madrid in talks over potential €30m transfer | OneFootball

Manchester City’s Summer Overhaul: Atletico Madrid Eye Kovacic Move

Manchester City are preparing for a significant squad reshuffle this summer, with multiple departures expected. According to Caught Offside, Atletico Madrid are showing strong interest in Mateo Kovacic, with talks already underway regarding a potential transfer.

The Croatian midfielder only arrived at the Etihad in the summer of 2023 from Chelsea but now appears set for an early exit as City look to refresh their squad. A fee of around €30 million (£25.5m) has been suggested, although Atletico Madrid may try to negotiate a lower price.

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Atletico’s Interest in Kovacic

Atletico Madrid have begun making formal approaches to both City and Kovacic’s representatives, with sources suggesting they are confident of securing a deal.

Despite interest from Fenerbahce, Caught Offside reports that Kovacic is not keen on a move to Turkey and prefers to remain in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

Atletico could provide an ideal destination. Diego Simeone’s side require experienced midfield reinforcements, and Kovacic’s technical ability and combative style would make him a strong fit for La Liga.

Manchester City’s Midfield Plans

With Kevin De Bruyne also expected to lead the summer exodus, Kovacic’s departure would signal a major transition in City’s midfield setup.

Photo: IMAGO

According to reports, City have already lined up Ederson from Atalanta as a potential midfield replacement, showing their intent to rejuvenate their squad with younger options.

City’s willingness to offload Kovacic after just one season suggests he was never viewed as a long-term piece of Pep Guardiola’s midfield puzzle. While a capable rotational option, he has struggled to cement himself as a starter in a midfield that has undergone tactical tweaks throughout the season.

A Fresh Start for Kovacic?

At 30 years old, Kovacic will likely welcome the opportunity to become a first-team regular again. Atletico Madrid could offer him that platform, particularly as Simeone reshapes his midfield for the upcoming season.

Photo: IMAGO

If City secure their asking price, the move could prove beneficial for all parties. Kovacic gets the regular football he desires, Atletico strengthen their midfield, and City free up funds for reinforcements.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This potential move makes sense. While Kovacic is a talented player, his impact at City has been limited, and his departure would hardly be seen as a major loss.

His signing felt more like a stopgap—a useful player to help rotate the squad but never truly a key figure in Guardiola’s plans. With younger and more dynamic options available, City’s decision to cash in feels pragmatic.

However, the bigger concern for City fans will be who replaces him. If De Bruyne also departs, City could risk losing too much experience in midfield at once.

Atletico Madrid would be an ideal destination for Kovacic, but for City, the priority must be ensuring they reinvest wisely. If this summer is indeed a squad overhaul, the decisions must be precise and strategic—not just change for change’s sake.