Manchester City, the victorious team of the 2022/2023 Premier League season, has officially completed the signing of Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea.
On Tuesday, June 27, the English club finalized the transfer deal for Kovacic, following the departure of their captain, Ilkay Gundogan.
Mateo Kovacic, 29, has agreed to a four-year contract with the treble winners, with the initial fee reported to be £25 million ($32 million), and additional add-ons potentially reaching £5 million.
Kovacic's move to Pep Guardiola's side comes after spending five successful years at Chelsea, where he achieved triumphs in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, while amassing an impressive tally of 221 appearances for the club.
Although Kovacic is not regarded as a direct replacement for the departed Gundogan, there are certain similarities between their playing styles. Kovacic possesses versatility in multiple positions within the midfield, which City's Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, acknowledged, highlighting the two distinct roles he can fulfill. In addition, Kovacic's wealth of experience at both club and international level further adds to the excitement surrounding this "great signing" for Manchester City.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Kovacic, who will don the number 8 shirt, spoke to the club's website, saying:
"This is a brilliant move for me, and I cannot wait to get started with City.
"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's arrival marks Manchester City's first signing of the transfer window and compensates for the departure of Gundogan, who recently joined Barcelona on a free transfer after a remarkable seven-year spell at the club.
