Manchester City has successfully secured the signature of Croatia midfielder Mateo Kovačićfrom Chelsea.
The initial transfer fee of £25 million, accompanied by potential add-ons worth an additional £5 million, has sealed the deal.
Kovačić, 29, has committed to a four-year contract with the club, marking City’s first significant signing of the summer following their triumphant Treble of Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup titles last season.
Expressing his delight at joining the reigning champions, Kovačić remarked, “This is a brilliant move for me, and I cannot wait to get started with City.”
His arrival comes in the wake of City’s announcement regarding Ilkay Gundogan’s departure on a free transfer to Barcelona.
Additionally, the club’s pursuit of England midfielder Declan Rice faced a setback as their substantial £90 million bid, including an £80 million upfront payment, was rejected by West Ham.
Kovačić spoke highly of his new team, stating,
“Anyone who has watched this team under the guidance of manager 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.” Joining City represents a dream come true for Kovačić, who believes that under Guardiola’s tutelage, he can further enhance his skills and contribute significantly to the team’s success.
He eagerly expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “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.”
Having recently concluded a challenging season with Chelsea, during which they finished a disappointing 12th in the Premier League, Kovačić made 37 appearances for the club.
Notably, he was part of the Chelsea side that clinched the coveted Champions League title in 2021, making a significant impact as a late substitute in their 1-0 victory over City in the final.
On the international stage, Kovačić boasts an impressive record, having represented Croatia in 95 matches. He played a vital role in Croatia’s memorable run to a third-place finish in the 2022 World Cup, featuring in every game for his national team.
With his transfer now complete, Kovačić plans to take a few weeks to recharge before returning to Manchester to prepare for the upcoming season. His primary objective is to contribute to City’s quest to maintain their dominance and secure further silverware. As Kovačić concluded, “I want to help this club stay at the top and win more trophies.”
Manchester City fans eagerly await the start of the new season, anticipating the valuable contributions that Kovačić will undoubtedly bring to their successful campaign.
