Manchester City have completed the signing of Croatia midfielder Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea for an initial £25m.
The contract handed the former Real Madrid player is also worth a possible £5m in add-ons.
Kovacic joins Pep Guardiola’s side on a four-year deal after spending five seasons at Chelsea.
ALSO READ: Manchester City edge Inter Milan to win first ever Champions League title
The 29-year-old is City’s first acquisition of the summer following their Treble win from last season. The Cityzens won the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup titles in the recently concluded campaign.
“This is a brilliant move for me, and I cannot wait to get started with City,” said Kovacic.
Kovacic arrives Manchester City just after the club announced the departure of influential midfielder Ilkay Gündogan, who joins Barcelona.
Kovacic added: “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.”
He was part of the Chelsea side that won the Champions League in 2021, coming on as a late substitute in the 1-0 final win over City.
For Croatia, Kovacic has garnered 95 caps, playing every game as they finished third at the 2022 World Cup.
Speaking about Kovacic’s signing, City director of football Txiki Begiristain said: “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.
ALSO READ: Chelsea sign João Félix on loan from Atlético Madrid
“He is someone we have monitored for a very long time and always we were impressed whenever we watched him.”
Meanwhile, City have seen a £90m bid – thought to have included an £80m initial payment – for England midfielder Declan Rice rejected by West Ham.
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