Kovacic Out of Club World Cup, Ronaldo Eyes New Al Nassr Deal, Chelsea Push for Gittens

Manchester City have confirmed that Mateo Kovacic will miss the FIFA Club World Cup after undergoing surgery on his Achilles tendon.

The Croatian midfielder, 31, had been struggling with the injury, which also kept him out of City’s FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace. He will now spend the summer in rehabilitation.

“Mateo will spend the summer recovering, and everyone at the club wishes him well,” City said in a statement.

Kovacic also missed out on Croatia’s squad for their June World Cup qualifiers. He made 42 appearances and scored 7 goals this season.

City begin their Club World Cup campaign on June 18 in the United States, facing African champions Wydad AC.

Al Nassr Preparing New Deal to Keep Ronaldo

Over in Saudi Arabia, Al Nassr are set to offer Cristiano Ronaldo a new contract extension to secure his services for another season.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that the club is planning to restructure Ronaldo’s deal and strengthen the squad with big signings — including Luis Diaz, David Hancko, and a top midfielder.

Al Nassr aim to make Ronaldo the face of their continued ambition both domestically and internationally.

Chelsea in Talks to Sign Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens

Chelsea FC are working to bring Jamie Gittens back to London from Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth around £50 million, according to The Telegraph.

Gittens, a former Chelsea academy player, left for Dortmund in 2020 and has since become a regular starter. He scored 12 goals in 48 games this season and impressed in the Champions League against Real Madrid.

The 21-year-old is said to have a £50 million release clause, and Chelsea want to close the deal before the Club World Cup begins.

“Gittens Can Be the Next Haaland” – Riedle

Former Dortmund star Karl-Heinz Riedle praised Gittens’ potential, saying:

“He’s not world-class yet, but he could be the next Sancho, Haaland, or Bellingham.”

Dortmund has become known for producing elite talent that later command huge transfer fees — and Gittens could be next in line.

Chelsea Continue Busy Transfer Window

Chelsea are also close to finalizing a £30 million move for Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, and decisions are still pending on Jadon Sancho, who spent the season on loan.

Although Chelsea hold a £20–£25 million option to buy, they may walk away by paying a £5 million exit clause.