Manchester City are ramping up their interest in VfB Stuttgart’s promising midfielder Mirza Catovic, as Pep Guardiola continues to build for the future at the Etihad Stadium.
City’s Long-Standing Interest in Serbian Sensation
The Serbian teenager has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting young prospects, catching the attention of several elite clubs. According to Sky Sport, Manchester City have been closely tracking Catovic’s development, with the connection running deeper than most realise.
Thomas Krücken, who originally brought Catovic to Stuttgart’s academy in 2022, now serves as City’s academy manager. This relationship sparked an initial approach in early 2025, though the midfielder opted to remain in Germany and recently extended his contract until 2028.
Why Catovic Remains at Stuttgart
Despite limited first-team opportunities—the defensive midfielder is yet to make his professional debut—Catovic has shown remarkable maturity in his decision-making. He’s currently thriving in Stuttgart’s reserve setup and regularly trains with the senior squad, but the 18-year-old believes his development is best served by breaking into the first team where he already has strong foundations.
Both player and club remain satisfied with his progression, suggesting any potential move hinges entirely on playing time over the coming months.
The City Challenge
Manchester City face a significant challenge in securing Catovic’s signature. While Krücken’s presence at the Etihad provides a familiar connection, the Citizens must demonstrate a clear pathway to first-team football—something they’ve struggled to offer young midfielders in recent years.
Stuttgart’s reluctance to sell and Catovic’s patient approach to his career mean City may need to wait before making their move. The teenager’s priority remains crystal clear: establish himself as a Bundesliga regular before considering the next chapter.
With competition fierce for his services, City’s pursuit of this defensive midfield prospect could become one of the summer’s most intriguing transfer sagas.