Chelsea transfer news: Mateo Kovacic signs from Real Madrid in £40m move
Kovacic spent last season on loan at Stamford Bridge and played a key role under Maurizio Sarri as they finished third in the Premier League and won the Europa League
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Your support makes all the difference.Chelsea have completed the transfer of Mateo Kovacic from Real Madrid for £40m on a five-year contract.
Kovacic spent last season on loan at Stamford Bridge and played a key role under Maurizio Sarri as they finished third in the Premier League and won the Europa League.
Chelsea were able to sign Kovacic, despite a two-window transfer ban imposed by Uefa, because he was already registered with the club via his loan spell.
His registration was due to run on Sunday, meaning the transfer was officially completed before then, but the Blues announced the deal on Monday afternoon.
“I really enjoyed my season on loan with Chelsea, I feel comfortable at the club and like London and the Premier League very much,” Kovacic said. ”I am very happy to be able to join permanently.
“We had a successful year, winning the Europa League and I hope I can make a big contribution in the coming seasons.”
Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia added: “Mateo proved what an accomplished player he is during his season on loan with us and we are delighted to welcome him to the club on a permanent basis.
“He already possesses extensive experience at club and international level and we are sure he will be a big success with Chelsea over the next five years.”
Frank Lampard could become Kovacic’s manager at Stamford Bridge after being excused from Derby County’s first pre-season training session of the summer on Monday in order to carry out talks with vacant role, which became available when Sarri departed for Juventus.
Callum Hudson-Odoi is also set to sign a new long-term contract with the club.
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