Kovacic's Inter hopes flare in Hong Kong after friendly

Mateo Kovačić, the 32‑year‑old Croatian midfielder, has reignited Kovacic Inter speculation after meeting former teammates during Manchester City’s pre‑season friendly against the Nerazzurri in Hong Kong, a gathering that saw the player recalled to the San Siro where he once earned €11 million on his Inter signing.

The talk centres on Kovačić’s desire to re‑join the club where he first made his mark in Europe, a wish that has been amplified by recent contacts.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, the contact between the two sides came on the fringes of the pre‑season friendly in Hong Kong, with the meeting taking place while Manchester City prepared to play the Nerazzurri.

Inter posted a video on social media showing the 32‑year‑old deep in conversation with compatriot Petar Sučić and warmly greeting Federico Dimarco and assistant coach Aleksandar Kolarov, a reunion that has only fuelled talk of a possible homecoming.

Inter need midfield exits before any Kovačić return, as the club has made clear that departures would be required before any deal could be considered; sales such as those of Kristjan Asllani and Davide Frattesi have been earmarked but neither has yet been completed.

With almost a month of the transfer window still to run, that space could yet open up, leaving the door ajar for a potential deal should the necessary exits materialise before the window closes.

Kovačić spent two seasons at Inter between 2013 and 2015, having been signed from Dinamo Zagreb for €11 million, before being sold to Real Madrid for €38 million, a deal that handed the Nerazzurri a healthy profit.

Now in the final year of his Manchester City contract, he is seeking clarity on his future, and Milan holds obvious appeal as the Croatian evaluates his options ahead of the season’s end.