Juventus Target Man City's Mateo Kovacic as Free Transfer

Juventus are monitoring Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic, whose contract expires at the end of the campaign, as a free transfer option for the summer 2027 window, according to reports from SportsMole and Gazzetta dello Sport. No formal talks have taken place.

  • Target: Mateo Kovacic, Manchester City midfielder, 32
  • Potential move: Juventus on a free transfer in summer 2027
  • Status: Rumour — no formal discussions with representatives
  • Other targets: Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan), David Raum (RB Leipzig)
  • Competition: Manchester United reportedly eye Raum

Deal details

Juventus are reportedly planning early for the summer 2027 transfer window and have identified three potential free agents. Kovacic is described by Gazzetta dello Sport as the 'most tempting' option. The Croatian's Manchester City contract expires at the end of the campaign, with a renewal considered unlikely. No formal discussions have yet taken place with the player's representatives, so this remains an emerging story rather than an advanced negotiation.

SportsMole reports that Juventus are monitoring Kovacic as part of a broader free transfer strategy. The Turin club recently missed out on Franck Kessie, who joined Atalanta on a free transfer, highlighting their desire for midfield reinforcement. Fikayo Tomori and David Raum are the other names under consideration, with Tomori potentially replacing Federico Gatti.

Why Juventus want Kovacic

Mateo Kovacic offers Champions League pedigree, Serie A experience and technical composure. At 32, he can still manipulate the ball in congested areas and provide press resistance. For Juventus, a free transfer would represent smart business, provided wages and physical condition align with their plans. The midfielder has found game time scarce at Manchester City following heavy investment in the position.

City signed Elliot Anderson, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Enzo Fernandez for a combined fee of around £320m. That investment has limited Kovacic to only two starts in all competitions — in the Community Shield and League Cup. He reportedly stayed at the Etihad Stadium after receiving assurances of a 'meaningful role', but that opportunity has not materialised.

Other Juventus targets: Tomori and Raum

Fikayo Tomori, 28, remained at AC Milan after being excluded from Ruben Amorim's pre-season plans. He has since returned to the squad without featuring. Juventus sporting director Frederic Massara knows him well, having helped take him from Chelsea to Milan in 2021. Tomori could potentially replace Federico Gatti, whose representatives have reportedly indicated that he wants more first-team football.

RB Leipzig captain David Raum completes the trio. The 28-year-old left-back could still extend his Leipzig contract. Should he become available, Juventus may face competition from Manchester United, who reportedly regard him as a priority option under Michael Carrick.

Analysis: Kovacic fits Juventus' immediate need

Juventus are clearly planning early, and Kovacic feels particularly logical because his experience, availability and technical profile align with an immediate midfield need. The decisive questions will concern salary, fitness and whether regular football remains his priority. At 32, Kovacic may not be a long-term solution, but a free transfer reduces financial exposure and allows resources to be directed elsewhere.

From a tactical perspective, Kovacic's ability to progress possession through congested areas would suit Luciano Spalletti's system. He knows Serie A from his time in Italy and understands elite-level pressure. If Juventus can secure him on sensible terms, he could bring experience and composure straight into the heart of the team.

Tomori would generate plenty of interest too. His Milan spell has stalled, though his pace, familiarity with Italian football and existing relationship with Massara make the link understandable. If Gatti wants more minutes elsewhere, Juventus need a replacement capable of settling immediately. Raum feels like the most complicated pursuit because Leipzig may yet extend his contract and Manchester United are reportedly interested. His attacking quality from left-back would still be exciting.

Talking points

  • Should Juventus prioritise Kovacic over younger midfield options, or is a 32-year-old on high wages a short-term fix?
  • Would Tomori be an upgrade on Gatti, or does his lack of recent Milan minutes make him a risk?
  • Can Juventus beat Manchester United to Raum if Leipzig decide to sell?
  • Is Kovacic's lack of game time at City a warning sign or an opportunity to sign a proven winner?

What happens next

Juventus will continue to monitor Kovacic, Tomori and Raum ahead of the summer 2027 window. No formal talks have taken place, but the club's early planning suggests they will move quickly if any of the three become available. Kovacic's contract situation at Manchester City is the key domino.

Frequently asked questions

Is Mateo Kovacic leaving Manchester City?

Kovacic's contract expires at the end of the campaign and a renewal is considered unlikely, according to reports. Juventus are monitoring him as a free transfer target for summer 2027.

Have Juventus held talks with Kovacic?

No formal discussions have yet taken place with the player's representatives. The report describes this as an emerging transfer story.

Who else are Juventus targeting on free transfers?

Juventus are also monitoring Fikayo Tomori of AC Milan and RB Leipzig captain David Raum. They previously missed out on Franck Kessie, who joined Atalanta.

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