Croatian international midfielder Mateo Kovacic has
joined Real Madrid from Inter Milan on a six-year
deal, the Spanish giants confirmed on Tuesday. “Real
Madrid and Inter Milan have agreed the transfer of
Mateo Kovacic, who will be tied to the club for the
next six seasons,” Madrid said in a statement.
According to reports in the Spanish media the 10-
time European champions will pay up to 35 million
euros (£24.8 million, $38.9 million) for the 21-year-
old. He will be presented to the club’s fans on
Wednesday after undergoing a medical. Kovacic
began his career in his homeland with Dinamo
Zagreb before moving to Inter two years ago, where
he scored eight goals in 97 appearances.
However, Inter coach Roberto Mancini admitted
earlier this week that financial fair play pressures had
forced the Serie A side into selling one of their
prized assets.
Kovacic will link up with international teammate Luka
Modric at the Bernabeu, but is likely to find a starting
place hard to come by despite his lofty price tag with
competition for places in midfield fierce given the
presence of James Rodriguez, Toni Kroos and Isco.
Madrid have had an unusally quiet summer in the
transfer market, but Kovacic’s signing is in keeping
with a recent trend by Los Blancos of signing the best
young talent around Europe. His arrival should,
though, open the exit door for Asier Illarramendi
after two disappointing seasons at the club with the
Basque midfielder strongly linked with a move to
Liverpool.
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