Premier League champions Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic on a four-year deal reportedly worth £25million.
The 29-year-old’s new contract will keep him at the Etihad until the summer of 2027, with a reported option for another year.
He leaves Chelsea after five successful years where he won the Champions League and Europa League. The Croatia star was a lynchpin of the starting XI and made 211 appearances for the Stamford Bridge club.
With the announcement on Tuesday evening, Kovacic becomes City’s first signing of the window. He has been tipped to replace outgoing midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, who joined Barcelona as a free agent after a final record-breaking season as club captain.
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Speaking after sealing his move, Kovacic was full of praise for the club and their manager, Pep Guardiola.
“This is a brilliant move for me, and I cannot wait to get started with City,” he said.
“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.”
Manchester City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, also spoke about the move, confirming that the club had long held an interest in the player.
“Mateo is an excellent footballer,” Begiristain said.
“He can play as a 6 or an 8, has plenty of experience at top-level clubs, and understands the Premier League.
“It was a very simple decision to bring him to City because he has the tactical and technical qualities we are looking for in a midfielder.
“He is someone we have monitored for a very long time, and we were always impressed whenever we watched him.
“I am delighted he is here. This is a great signing for this club, and I am very excited to watch what he can do with Pep and the rest of our backroom team.”
Kovacic will not be the last signing for City this summer, with the Champions League champions also interested in RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol and West Ham captain Declan Rice.
