Italian Serie A champions Juventus are reportedly keen to sign out of favour Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic in the summer transfer window. The Old Lady is not known for making January signings but has signalled an interest ahead of time according to Tuttosport.
The publication also speculates that Juventus have an interest in Dani Ceballos and that the club has both players in their plans for next season. Should a formal bid materialise, it could see a return to Serie A for Kovacic.
There is no indication that Kovacic is unhappy at the Bernabeu, after all he joined the club knowing full-well that he would be a squad rotation player. With players such as Toni Kroos and fellow countryman Luka Modric ahead of him in the pecking order, his game time has been further limited by injury this season. The Croatian midfielder hasn’t started a game in the 2017-18, making just three appearances as a substitute.
Kovacic is a product of the youth system at Dinamo Zagreb which whom he won two league titles in three seasons before being head-hunted by Inter. He spent three seasons at the Serie A side but was unable to help them to win any trophies. He joined Real Madrid in the 2015-16 season and has so far made 81 appearances for the club in all competitions. He played a part in winning two Champions League titles and has a La Liga medal to his name.
The 23-year-old is a versatile midfielder that can be deployed in a number of positions. Able to play in the middle of the park or wide on the left, his adaptability is perhaps why he is so often used as a substitute. His accurate and methodical style of play has helped him earn the nickname ‘the Professor’.
Kovacic seems to be willing to play a role for the side and is reliable when called upon. With his best years still ahead of him, Real Madrid may be best off keeping hold of their man and developing him further.
