Pep Guardiola Ready to Sell Manchester City Midfielder in £25m Summer Move – Report | OneFootball

Man City Overhaul: Kovacic Exit Nears as Guardiola Eyes Midfield Rebuild

Manchester City are gearing up for a significant squad reshuffle this summer, with experienced Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic set to depart. As reported by TeamTalk, Atletico Madrid have already initiated discussions over a possible transfer. In the wake of City’s underwhelming campaign, Pep Guardiola is eager to revitalise his midfield, with Atalanta’s Ederson emerging as his primary target.

Kovacic’s Short-Lived City Stint Nears an End

Signed from Chelsea in 2023, Kovacic was expected to provide stability and depth to City’s midfield. However, despite making 19 Premier League starts this season, his performances have failed to meet the club’s high standards. With age catching up and City enduring a turbulent season—currently sitting fifth with nine defeats in 29 league matches—the writing appears to be on the wall for the Croatian.

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Sources close to the club have confirmed that City are willing to part ways with the 108-cap international, setting an initial asking price of around €30m (£25.2m). Atletico Madrid, led by Diego Simeone, are keen on acquiring the midfielder but are likely to push for a lower fee, using City’s desperate need for a rebuild as leverage.

As TeamTalk reports, “Sources have informed us that the Spanish club has already taken concrete steps to explore a potential transfer and are already in contact with the player, having also made some preliminary indirect moves with the Cityzens as well.”

Guardiola’s Next Move: Midfield Reinforcements Identified

With Kovacic poised to leave, City are wasting no time in scouting for his replacement. Guardiola has reportedly earmarked Atalanta’s Ederson as his number one target. The twice-capped Brazilian international has impressed in Serie A with his box-to-box capabilities, energy, and tactical intelligence—qualities Guardiola deems essential for his midfield.

TeamTalk also notes that City will face stiff competition for Ederson’s signature, with rivals Manchester United and Liverpool also interested. However, City remain optimistic about sealing a deal, particularly with their midfield needing an urgent refresh following Rodri’s ACL injury struggles this season.

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Additionally, City have been linked with Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães, though Guardiola reportedly prefers players with Premier League experience. As TeamTalk states, “Guardiola is more likely to turn to players with Premier League experience than Camavinga.”

More Changes Expected at the Etihad

Kovacic is not the only high-profile name expected to depart. Veteran full-back Kyle Walker is nearing a move to AC Milan, while speculation persists over the futures of Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish. Guardiola’s plan to freshen up his squad appears to be a direct response to a season where City’s usual dominance has faded, and securing a Champions League spot remains uncertain.

Furthermore, City are keeping an eye on young prospects, including 15-year-old Ecuadorian sensation Johan Martinez, who has been likened to PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé. However, immediate priority remains midfield restructuring, with Ederson topping the wishlist.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Manchester City fan, this season has been tough to stomach. To see our team 22 points adrift from the top is unheard of under Guardiola. A rebuild is clearly needed, and Kovacic’s departure makes sense. He was a solid signing at the time but never truly felt like a long-term piece in Guardiola’s vision.

The move for Ederson is promising—he’s dynamic, aggressive, and technically sound. However, I’d argue that Bruno Guimarães would be the better fit, given his Premier League experience and proven ability in high-intensity games. The midfield needs more than just one addition, though. With Kevin De Bruyne’s future uncertain and Rodri recovering from an ACL injury, City must ensure they bring in at least two top-class midfielders.

Another concern is how much upheaval the squad can handle in one window. Losing Walker, potentially De Bruyne, and possibly Grealish as well could mean too much disruption at once. Guardiola has managed squad transitions before, but this one feels different—it’s not just about improving but rebuilding from an underwhelming season. City fans will hope this overhaul returns the team to its dominant best next season.