Ox is better than Kovacic? Okay then.
I'll assume you didn't get to watch Real a lot in the last 3 years, and I'll leave it at that.
I will say that your statement "
Ox was clearly the best midfielder on a team that cruised to the CL finals. When will he start getting the recognition he deserves?" makes no sense at all.
He started literally two knockout games. One vs Porto at home with the tie decided (was 5-0 away) and the one game that did matter vs ManCity at home.
Then got injured.
EDIT: Nevermind, he didn't even start the 2nd leg vs Porto.
So "clearly the best midfielder" on a team that cruised to the CL final started LITERALLY ONE GAME in the knockout rounds.
Anyway, seems Kovacic wanting out of Real because of not being in the first 11 is genuine (and he's not get into the first 11 for most big games as long as Modric and Kroos are there):
Real Madrid: Kovacic: "Lo mejor para mí es dejar el Real Madrid y que me vaya a otro club" - Marca.com
Whoever gets Kovacic will be super happy. The guy is a starter on any non-Madrid team in the world IMO, or at worst, a candidate for first-11 depending on the manager's system at teams like Barca, PSG or Bayern.