Aheed Abrar
Rio Ferdinand urges Manchester United to pursue Manchester City target Mateo Kovacic
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has urged the Old Trafford side to pursue Manchester City target and Chelsea star Mateo Kovacic.
The Croatia international’s current contract with the Blues is set to expire in the summer of 2024. To that end, the Sky Blues have started discussions with the midfielder over a switch to the Etihad Stadium next summer.
At the moment, Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong is still of interest to the Red Devils. However, the Holland international is reluctant to join the Manchester-based club.
Speaking on his channel FIVE on YouTube (h/t Mirror), Ferdinand, who spent 12 years at United, wants the Red Devils to forget about De Jong. Instead, the ex-defender hoped that the club would hijack City to sign Kovacic.
“It sounds too difficult and too complicated [to sign De Jong], move on. I think Kovacic has got a year left. I like him… He’s different to what we’ve got.”
The Croatian has been at Chelsea for some time now. Over the years, the 29-year-old has been a key player for the Stamford Bridge side. The midfielder often emanates calmness in the middle of the park.
Despite Chelsea’s poor season, Kovacic has still been able to showcase his qualities. However, with signings the Blues have made over the last two transfer windows, they now have the likes of Enzo Fernandez in their ranks.
Chelsea have given champions Manchester City permission to talk to Mateo Kovačić over a transfer, per multiple reports pic.twitter.com/xWZQL1QGtF
— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 31, 2023
As for United, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen have been Erik ten Hag’s first-choice pairing in the midfield pivot. However, we do not seem to have adequate cover for the two in the squad.
Fred and Scott McTominay have been inconsistent over the years. On the other hand, Donny van de Beek has failed to get going during his time at the Old Trafford side. Marcel Sabitzer is also set to return to Bayern Munich.
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Kovacic has plenty of experience playing in the Champions League, which he won during his time at Real Madrid and also at Chelsea. The Croatian is also familiar with Casemiro. Therefore, it makes sense for the Red Devils to acquire the midfielder’s services.
