LONDON, England – The champions’ first signing of the summer transfer window is a midfielder from Croatia. Mateo Kovacic has been acquired by Manchester City from Chelsea. 

With the signing of a four-year contract, the 29-year-old Croatian midfielder is Man City’s first addition during the summer transfer window.

In an official statement, Kovacic highlighted his readiness to start his journey with the club and stated his excitement for the transfer to Manchester City.

Kovacic acknowledged City’s prowess under Pep Guardiola and referred to them as the best team in the world, highlighting their outstanding prize haul and reputation as a highly proficient footballing side. For Kovacic, joining the City team was a dream come true since he was excited about the chance to work with Guardiola and continue to grow as a player.

Director of football at City, Txiki Begiristain, gave an explanation of the thinking behind the selection of Kovacic. Begiristain thought Kovacic would be a great addition to City’s midfield due to his versatility to play as both a defensive midfielder (number 6) and a central midfielder (number 8), his background at elite clubs, and his familiarity with the Premier League. The club’s long-standing interest in Kovacic was further expressed by the director of football, who emphasized his tactical and technical attributes that fit City’s ideal profile for a midfielder.

What Kovacic will bring to the midfield of Man City

passing steadily. Beautiful dribbling. resisting pressure. View what the Croatian midfielder is capable of.

Kovacic leaves Chelsea after five seasons, having played 221 times in all competitions, and joins the Treble-winners from the previous season. 

After three victories with Real Madrid, he won the UEFA Champions League with the Blues in 2020–21, defeating his new team Man City in the championship game to collect his fourth trophy in the league.  

Along with the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup in 2021–2022, Kovacic also won the UEFA Europa League with Chelsea in 2018–19. 

He has received 95 caps for Croatia, helping them to place third in the 2022 World Cup and runners-up in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

When Man City plays Yokohama F Marinos on July 23, supporters may see Kovacic for the first time during preseason. 

On Friday, August 11, against Burnley, the champions began their Premier League championship defense.

Man City acquire Kovacic from Chelsea

Italian signs a five-year contract and will represent Italy in north London by donning No. 13. Guglielmo Vicario, an Italian goalkeeper, has been acquired by Tottenham Hotspur from Empoli, pending international clearance and a work visa.

A five-year contract has been reached with the 26-year-old, who will don the No. 13 jersey.

After spending two seasons at Empoli, where he made a total of 71 appearances across all competitions, Vicario joined Spurs.

Prior to Italy’s most recent UEFA Nations League campaign, he received his first call-up for an international match in September 2022.

Vicario may make his debut when Tottenham meet West Ham United on July 18 in Perth.

On Sunday, August 13, against Brentford, he might make his Premier League debut on the opening weekend of the campaign.