Manchester City has made their first signing since their treble-winning season by acquiring Croatia midfielder Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea.
The details of the financial transaction have not been disclosed, but sources suggest that City paid £25 million ($31.87 million), with an additional £5 million in potential add-ons.
Kovacic, who joined Chelsea initially on loan from Real Madrid in 2018-19 before securing a permanent move, has signed a four-year contract with City.
During his time at Chelsea, Kovacic played a crucial role in their triumphs, including the UEFA Champions League in 2020-21, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Club World Cup in 2021, as well as the Europa League in 2018-19. Prior to his stint at Chelsea, Kovacic had played for Dinamo Zagreb and Inter Milan before joining Real Madrid in 2015.
On the international stage, Kovacic made his debut for Croatia in 2013 and has since earned nearly 100 caps for his country.
During his time at Chelsea, Kovacic played a crucial role in their triumphs, including the UEFA Champions League in 2020-21, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Club World Cup in 2021, as well as the Europa League in 2018-19. Prior to his stint at Chelsea, Kovacic had played for Dinamo Zagreb and Inter Milan before joining Real Madrid in 2015.
On the international stage, Kovacic made his debut for Croatia in 2013 and has since earned nearly 100 caps for his country.
He contributed significantly to Croatia's success, including a runner-up finish in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and a third-place finish in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Manchester City's acquisition of Kovacic adds depth and experience to their midfield, strengthening their squad as they aim to maintain their dominance in domestic and European competitions.
"This is a brilliant move for me, and I cannot wait to get started with City," Kovacic said in a club statement.
"Anyone who has watched this team under (coach) Pep (Guardiola) knows how good they are – for me, they are the best in the world. The trophies they have won are clear for all to see, but they are also the best footballing side out there.
"To be joining this squad really is a dream for any footballer. I still have plenty of learning and developing to do, and I know under Pep's management I can become a better player."
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Manchester City's acquisition of Kovacic adds depth and experience to their midfield, strengthening their squad as they aim to maintain their dominance in domestic and European competitions.
"This is a brilliant move for me, and I cannot wait to get started with City," Kovacic said in a club statement.
"Anyone who has watched this team under (coach) Pep (Guardiola) knows how good they are – for me, they are the best in the world. The trophies they have won are clear for all to see, but they are also the best footballing side out there.
"To be joining this squad really is a dream for any footballer. I still have plenty of learning and developing to do, and I know under Pep's management I can become a better player."
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