So far this summer, Manchester City have only offloaded the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker and Maximo Perrone.
Manchester City are set to sell Stefan Ortega after signing James Trafford as well.
However, a major obstacle that the Sky Blues have faced in trying to offload players is that exit-linked stars like Ederson are keen to stay at Manchester City.
Mateo Kovacic is another player who is set to stay at City, with Fabrizio Romano revealing the management and staff wish to keep him despite Saudi Pro League clubs making approaches to sign him.
Several Manchester City fans are disappointed with the decision as they believe Kovacic should have moved on as the club seemed like they were gearing up for a squad overhaul this summer.
Man City fans upset as Mateo Kovacic is set to stay despite Saudi interest
One Manchester City fan was upset at the club’s board for keeping Kovacic as they could have seemingly sold him easily to a club in Saudi Arabia, lamenting the decision not to reduce the age of their squad: “Literal tap-in to get rid of him, our board hasn’t learned anything.”
Another City supporter claimed that being overtly attached to some players and letting them stay will impact Pep Guardiola’s side next season, stating: “Sentiment is going to be our biggest downfall this season.”
A third Manchester City fan also emphasised that it was a no-brainer to sell Kovacic, who Manchester City signed for £25 million, writing: “Genuinely, what do you gain turning down Saudi for a player already injured and part of the Gundo [Ilkay Gundogan] and Bernardo [Silva] lot we were promised would be cleared out? You can’t force De Bruyne out because you’re ‘looking to rebuild’, then keep Kovacic. [Claudio] Echeverri also bizarrely sent away [as he is linked with a loan move] in his place.”
However, Manchester Evening News have reported that the Croatian is in Pep Guardiola’s hands, prompting another fan to criticise the Catalan boss, as he wrote: “Pep Guardiola wants to keep everyone. Gundogan, [Manuel] Akanji, Ederson. Who he wants to leave [Claudio] Echeverri, [Sverre] Nypan, [Vitor] Reis. Trust him with rebuild though…”
A fifth City fan believes that Guardiola tends to favour experienced players over giving talented youngsters a chance, claiming: “Funny club, make the youth sit on the bench or sell them but keep people who clearly should be moved on.”
Finally, a sixth Manchester City fan stated that keeping Kovacic when Saudi Pro League clubs were willing to sign him is a nonsensical decision, writing: “Genuinely senseless to keep him especially if there are offers on the table…”
The midfielder would be best advised to take all the doubts coming his way as fuel to have a season to remember.
Man City should have sold Mateo Kovacic
Manchester City have an excess of non-homegrown players and it is necessary for them to sell players this summer.
As a result, Manchester City fans’ frustration about the club choosing not to let go of Kovacic despite Saudi Pro League clubs targeting his signature is understandable.
However, simultaneously, it is important to note that the former Chelsea technician was solid last season.
Kovacic is a quality squad player and he will likely prove to be useful for City in the 2025/2026 campaign.
