Chelsea have announced the permanent signing of Mateo Kovacic from Real Madrid following his loan spell at Stamford Bridge last season.
The Blues have been able to land the Croatia midfielder for a reported £40.3million despite their transfer ban – because the 25-year-old was already registered to the club.
He was due to return to the Bernabeu today, after which point the Blues could no longer buy him, but he has signed a five-year deal to extend his stay.
Kovacic said: “I really enjoyed my season on loan with Chelsea, I feel comfortable at the club and like London and the Premier League very much. 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.”
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Kovacic failed to register a single goal during his debut season at Stamford Bridge, despite making 51 appearances, and received mixed reviews from supporters.
Nonetheless, he delivered a man-of-the-match display in Chelsea’s 4-1 victory over Arsenal in the Europa League final, and Blues director Marina Granovskaia was delighted to be able to land such an ‘accomplished’ player.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
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