Manchester City have assembled a new-look midfield for the 2026/27 campaign, giving Enzo Maresca several options to control matches and sustain the club’s demanding schedule. Yet the changes have created fresh questions about squad balance, particularly when injuries threaten to leave the manager short of experienced alternatives.
Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernández headline the reshuffle, while Matheus Nunes offers another option in central areas. Teenage prospect Ayyoub Bouaddi brings further depth, although relying on younger players during a demanding title race carries obvious risks.
City’s recent 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town exposed those concerns. Both Nunes and an experienced Croatian midfielder reportedly suffered injuries during the contest, leaving Maresca with fewer established options for upcoming domestic and European fixtures.
The latter has qualities that remain valuable in City’s possession-based approach. His ability to escape pressure, carry the ball through midfield and find teammates with crisp forward passes gives the team an alternative to more direct attacking patterns. His experience at the highest level could prove equally useful during difficult stretches of the campaign.
However, injuries have repeatedly interrupted his progress, raising questions about his availability across a congested fixture list. With younger recruits competing for minutes, City must decide whether retaining an experienced squad member justifies the financial implications of his contract situation.
Man City transfer news on Mateo Kovačić
That dilemma concerns Mateo Kovačić. According to Transfer Feed, Manchester City offered the 32-year-old Croatian the option of signing a new deal on less favourable terms or leaving when his existing contract expires in June 2027.
The report suggests Kovačić could seek a suitable opportunity during the January transfer window, with Inter Milan linked to a potential move. A mid-season departure, however, would prove more complicated than a summer exit, while reports from England suggest City’s busy schedule could persuade him to reconsider.
Kovačić has made nine appearances across all competitions in 2026/27, according to the supplied statistics. His three Premier League appearances have yielded 94 minutes, one assist and no goals. He has completed 89% of his league passes and recorded 100% accuracy during his 15-minute Champions League appearance. The Croat’s assist set up Erling Haaland during the reported Ipswich victory.
His press resistance and progressive carrying remain strengths, but limited attacking output and recurring fitness problems complicate his value. His reported weekly salary and the precise financial terms of City’s offer remain unconfirmed.
Should Maresca block Kovačić’s January exit?
From City’s perspective, retaining him until June makes sense if his fitness permits regular involvement. A January sale might bring a modest fee, but replacing his experience midway through the season could prove harder than expected. With midfield injuries already disrupting the squad, Maresca should prioritise dependable rotation options over short-term financial gain. If Kovačić cannot stay fit or accepts reduced minutes poorly, however, City must reconsider whether keeping him serves the squad.
