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    Mateo Kovacic joins Manchester City as Chelsea continue transfer exodus

    Emma TeeBy No Comments3 Mins Read

    • Manchester City confirm signing of Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea.

    Mateo Kovacic joins Manchester City as Chelsea continue transfer exodus
    Mateo Kovacic joins Manchester City as Chelsea continue transfer exodus

    Manchester City have announced the signing of midfielder Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea.

    Kovacic had just one year left on his contract at Stamford Bridge and was free to depart this summer, which City took advantage of by completing a deal that would cost the triple champions an initial £25 million, with a further £5 million in add-ons.

    The 29-year-old has signed a four-year contract with City, becoming the club’s first signing of the summer.

    Following the exit of club captain Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona, the European champions have acted swiftly to secure Croatia international Kovacic’s services on a four-year deal.

    “This is a brilliant move for me, and I cannot wait to get started with City,” said Kovacic, who will wear the number 8 shirt in Manchester.

    “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.”

    Director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: “Mateo is an excellent footballer.

    “He can play as a 6 or an 8, has plenty of experience at top level clubs and he 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 always we were 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.”

    The club has cashed in on players worth £130 million under pressure to follow Financial Fair Play, and Edouard Mendy, Kai Havertz, and Hakim Ziyech are among those who will be leaving.