Kovacic leaves Chelsea – for the rival

According to AP, the Premier League champion pays around 25 million pounds (340 million kroner) plus bonuses. The 29-year-old Croatian becomes Manchester City’s first signing after winning the treble (Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup) last season. Kovacic has signed a four-year contract.

“This is a fantastic move for me, I can’t wait to get started with City,” Kovacic told the club’s website.

Manchester City sporting director Txiki Begiristain is pleased with the signing.

“He can play as a number six or eight. He has a lot of experience from having played in top clubs and he knows the Premier League. It was an easy choice to bring him here as he has the tactical and technical qualities we are looking for in a midfielder”.

Mateo Kovacic is seen as a replacement for the team captain İlkay Gündoğan who left the club to play in the Spanish big club FC Barcelona.

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