Mateo Kovacic asks to leave Real Madrid

The Croatian midfielder has told Real Madrid that he wants more game time.

Mateo Kovacic has stunned Real Madrid by asking to leave the club this summer. The Croatian has demanded more playing time, and with the amount of quality in the squad, it looks unlikely he will be a regular figure in the starting XI. He has told Real Madrid that he would leave if the club cannot promise him game time.

According to El Partidazo, quoted by well-known outlets like Sport and Mirror, Kovacic’s agent has asked Real Madrid to let the Croatian leave the club.

However, Real Madrid have rejected the agent’s plea, stating that no offers will be considered for the midfielder.

Kovacic is currently with Croatia as the team aims for World Cup glory in Russia this summer. According to the report, Kovacic will need to decide if he will personally ask for the move once he returns from Russia, or decide to fight for a place in the starting XI under Real Madrid’s new manager, Julen Lopetegui.

The Croatian joined Real Madrid in 2015 from Inter Milan. This season, he only made 21 appearances in La Liga, and 36 appearances in total. The current midfield three, of Casemiro, Modric and Kroos have been regular starters for Real Madrid, which puts uncertainty over his position in the starting XI.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid are close to sign Allison from Roma, who is also representing his nation Brazil at the World Cup in Russia.

The Los Blancos signed Rodrygo from Brazilian club Santos, who will join the club next season.