Blockbuster Transfer Alert: Mateo Kovacic Shocks Football World by Joining Reigning Champions Manchester City in a Record-breaking £30m Deal

Mateo Kovacic has completed a move to Manchester City from Premier League rivals Chelsea.

The fee is understood to be worth an initial £25m guaranteed plus £5m in performance-related add-ons.

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He will now be donning the No 8 jersey, which was previously worn by Ilkay Gundogan before his move to Barcelona.

Kovacic had been a part of the Stamford Bridge team since his arrival from Real Madrid, initially on loan, in the summer of 2018.

Content: The Croatia international, aged 29, achieved success at Chelsea where he won four major trophies, one of them being the fourth Champions League title in 2021, defeating Pep Guardiola's team. Additionally, he made 221 appearances for the club. Kovacic expressed his excitement about joining City, stating that it is an excellent opportunity for him and he is eager to begin his journey with the team.

Content: Having witnessed this team under Pep's leadership, it is indisputable how exceptional they truly are. In my opinion, they stand as the finest in the world. Alongside their evident collection of trophies, their style of play is unparalleled.

Being granted the opportunity to be a part of this squad is truly a footballer's dream come true. I am well aware that there is still much for me to learn and improve upon, and I am thrilled at the prospect of doing so under Pep's guidance. This promises to be an exciting journey of personal growth as a player.

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"Currently, my intention is to take a few weeks to recuperate before returning to Manchester and commencing preparations for the upcoming season. My ultimate objective is to contribute towards the continued success of this club and secure additional accolades."

According to Man City's director of football, Txiki Begiristain, "Mateo is an outstanding footballer."

He possesses the versatility to operate as either a defensive midfielder or a central midfielder, boasting ample expertise from his time at elite clubs. Furthermore, his familiarity with the Premier League is an added advantage. Choosing to recruit him for City was an effortless choice as he possesses the precise tactical and technical attributes we seek in a midfield player.

He is an individual we have closely observed for an extensive period, and every time we have observed him, he has left a lasting impression on us.

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