Manchester City have secured the services of midfielder Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea in a significant transfer coup. The treble-winning club made the announcement on Tuesday, unveiling Kovacic as their latest signing on a four-year contract.
The deal was reportedly worth £25 million ($32m) upfront, with an additional £5 million ($6m) in potential add-ons. Kovacic, a highly regarded Croatian midfielder, will now join City’s squad for the upcoming 2023-24 season. Follow your favourite Premier League team with attractive football betting odds from Nextbet.
Expressing his excitement about the move, Kovacic said, “This is a brilliant move for me, and I cannot wait to get started with City. Anyone who has witnessed this team under Pep knows their exceptional abilities. In my opinion, they are unrivaled globally, not only in terms of the accolades they have earned but also in their breathtaking style of play. Joining this squad truly fulfills the dreams of any footballer.”
Pep Guardiola, the esteemed manager of Manchester City, had been eager to strengthen his midfield options following the failed pursuit of Jude Bellingham, who recently joined Real Madrid. Moreover, the departure of captain Ilkay Gundogan, who completed a free transfer to Barcelona on Monday, accentuated the need for reinforcements in midfield. Consequently, Mateo Kovacic emerged as a prime target for Guardiola’s side.
City’s Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, praised Kovacic’s abilities, stating, “Mateo is an exceptional footballer. He possesses the versatility to play as a deep-lying midfielder or in a more advanced position, and his extensive experience at top-tier clubs is invaluable. Moreover, he understands the intricacies of the Premier League. Bringing him to City was a straightforward decision, given his tactical acumen and technical prowess. We have been monitoring him for quite some time, and his performances have consistently impressed us.”
Earlier reports from ESPN indicated that Chelsea had initially demanded £35 million ($44m) for Kovacic but ultimately agreed to the reduced fee in order to finalize the transfer before June 30. The timing of the deal was crucial for Chelsea as it allowed them to complete the necessary paperwork within the first full tax year, ensuring compliance with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations.
As Chelsea undergoes a squad overhaul under the new management of Mauricio Pochettino, Kovacic becomes the latest high-profile player to leave the club. N’Golo Kante has already departed to join Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad, while sources suggest that other Chelsea players such as Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic, Edouard Mendy, and Mason Mount are also likely to seek new opportunities elsewhere. Notably, Arsenal is said to have reached an agreement with Chelsea for the signing of forward Kai Havertz for a reported fee of £65 million ($83m).
The transfer of Mateo Kovacic to Manchester City marks a significant move in the ever-evolving landscape of football, showcasing the ambition of both clubs involved. As City bolster their midfield ranks with a proven talent, Chelsea’s restructuring efforts under Pochettino continue to gather momentum, setting the stage for an intriguing season ahead. Get the latest updates from the Premier League only on Nextbet Sports.
