Manchester City midfielders Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes are both linked with moves away from the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola has reportedly lost faith in Nunes and wants to sell the Brazilian this summer. Kovacic, on the other hand, is liked by Guardiola but is reportedly a transfer target for Galatasaray.
Nunes had a promising start to his career, making a name for himself at Sporting Club de Portugal with some strong performances. This earned him a move to the Premier League, with Wolverhampton Wanderers acquiring his services for a club record fee of £38 million. The 25-year-old adapted to English football quickly and impressed people with his abilities on the ball. Following his stellar debut season, a few clubs came knocking on Wolves’ door but it was Man City who secured his services for a fee of £53 million.
The Brazilian hasn’t enjoyed a very good season at Manchester. He has started just seven Premier League games and hasn’t performed very well when given a chance. His lack of tactical fluidity has frustrated Guardiola. Nunes is more of a direct player who likes to make runs into the box and carry the ball with speed. This clashes with Man City’s playstyle, so there is a possibility that he will be sold to a club more suited to his style.
Kovacic, on the other hand, is liked by Guardiola and is unlikely to leave this summer despite interest in the 30-year-old. The Croatian started 29 games in all competitions, including 16 in the Premier League. Given Kevin De Bruyne’s uncertain future at the club, Guardiola is likely to ask Kovacic to stay. Should that be the case, Kovacic will be expected to stay put and reject any advances from Turkey.
With Kalvin Phillips likely on the move and Bernardo Silva also rumoured to be looking for a new challenge, there is a possibility that Nunes will be given another year at the club to prove himself.
