Mateo Kovačić set for move to Manchester City
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
Mateo Kovačić (Photo credit: Светлана Бекетова/Soccer.ru/CC)
Current European and English champions Manchester City are on the verge of signing Croatian international and Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovačić in a deal, according to sources, worth approximately €40 million (£34.2m), ESPN reported today.
Recent discussions between the two clubs have been fruitful, resulting in a general consensus on the transfer fee and paving the way for more detailed negotiations concerning the payment structure, sources said.
There is pressure mounting on the west London club to generate funds through player sales before the end of this month. This urgency stems from their substantial expenditures.
Completing any outgoing transfers prior to June 30 would fall within the first full tax year, helping to mitigate losses and ensure compliance with the Financial Fair Play regulations set by UEFA.
Despite the need for further negotiations, sources have informed ESPN that the prevailing expectation is for the 29-year-old midfielder’s transfer to be finalised within the next two weeks. Pep Guardiola is on the lookout for a midfielder as İlkay Gündoğan is coming off contract has been linked with a move this summer.
More on Mateo Kovacić deal. Man City and Chelsea are in direct contact, talks are taking place — expectation is for deal to happen, just not done yet. 🔵 #MCFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 16, 2023
Kovacić agreed personal terms with City 10 days ago. All parties want the same — full agreement, expected very soon. pic.twitter.com/4SsWsdiRyl
Kovačić, who is preparing to play in the UEFA Nations League final on Sunday against Spain, initially joined Chelsea on loan from Real Madrid in 2018 before securing a permanent move in a £40 million transfer a year later.
Since his arrival, Kovačić has made a total of 221 appearances for Chelsea, scoring six goals along the way.
