Although Man City did not disclose the contract, according to The Athletic, the reigning UEFA Champions League champions had to pay a fixed fee of £25 million, plus £5 million in add-ons to get the service of Mateo Kovacic. At the Etihad Stadium, the Croatian midfielder was given the number 8 shirt left by Ilkay Gundogan - who recently joined Barcelona on a free transfer.

Mateo Kovacic wears the number 8 shirt at Man City. Photo: Man City

Previously, Kovacic's contract with Chelsea was valid until June 2024, but negotiations to extend the contract between the two sides reached a deadlock. Therefore, the London team decided to sell him outright to Man City to avoid the risk of losing him for free next year.

The announcement on Man City's homepage reads: "Kovacic is our first signing of this summer's transfer window and will join the team in looking forward to an even more successful 2023-2024 season."

Mateo Kovacic said at the signing ceremony with the reigning UEFA Champions League champions: "This is a great new chapter in my career. I can't wait to start with Man City. Anyone who has followed the team under coach Pep Guardiola knows how strong Man City are. Joining this team is a dream for anyone. I have a lot to learn and develop. Working with coach Pep Guardiola, I can become a better player."

Mateo Kovacic has made 221 appearances in five seasons at Chelsea, winning the Champions League, Europa League, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup, as well as being named Chelsea's Player of the Year in 2019-20. The 29-year-old has so far made 95 appearances for his country and was a key part of Croatia's runners-up finish at the 2018 World Cup and third place finish at the 2022 World Cup.

HOAI PHUONG (synthesis)