Mateo Kovacic, the Croatian midfielder, has made a move to ManchesterCity from his former PremierLeague competitors, Chelsea.
According to reports, City has paid Chelsea an initial transfer fee of £25 million for Kovacic, with a possibility of spending an additional £5 million through add-ons.
Kovacic, aged 29, has officially signed a four-year contract at the Etihad Stadium.
“This is a brilliant move for me, and I cannot wait to get started with City,” Kovacic told his new club’s official website.
“Anyone who has watched this team under Pep 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, which is really exciting for me.
“My plan now is to rest for a few weeks before coming back to Manchester to prepare for the new season. I want to help this club stay at the top and win more trophies.”
Kovacic has participated in 142 Premier League matches for Chelsea, contributing with four goals and 13 assists.
In the 2020/21 season, he played a crucial role in Chelsea’s UEFA Champions League victory, featuring in 10 out of 13 European matches.
With Real Madrid, Kovacic achieved Champions League success on four occasions, winning the trophy in 2016, 2017, and 2018.
His transfer to Manchester City was announced within a day after Ilkay Gundogan’s departure from the club, as Gundogan signed for Barcelona on a free transfer.
Furthermore, City is actively interested in securing the signing of Declan Rice during the current summer transfer window.
Mateo Kovacic pictured (center) playing for Chelsea against Manchester City earlier this year
