Manchester City are reacting to the departure of captain Ilkay Gündogan (FC Barcelona) and have signed Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea. As the treble winner announced on Tuesday, the 29-year-old Croatian signed a contract until 2027. According to reporter Fabrizio Romano, the national player will have to pay a transfer fee of 29 million euros, which could increase to up to 35 million euros due to bonuses . Kovacic was also temporarily associated with Bayern Munich.
The midfielder is the Skyblues’ first signing for the new season. Speaking of the move, he said: “It’s a great step for me and I can’t wait to start at City. Anyone who has seen this team under Pep knows how good they are – for me they are the best in the world. (…) Belonging to this team is a dream for every footballer.” Kovacic knows that he “can become a better player under Pep’s leadership”. This is “very exciting” for him. He wants to help the club “stay at the top and win more trophies”.
Gündogan, Bellingham & Co.: The top transfers in summer 2023
Ilkay Gundogan | Man City -> FC Barcelona | Market value: €20 million
Kovacic first joined Chelsea on loan from Real Madrid in 2018 before signing a permanent deal for €45m the following year. Overall, he played 221 games in which he get six goals and 15 assists. In the past season he made 37 appearances in all competitions, including three times as captain.
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