MANCHESTER City have completed the signing of Matteo Kovacic from Chelsea just as Tottenham Hotspur sealed the move for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli.
Serbia midfielder Kovacic, 29, joins Manchester City on a four-year deal believed to be worth around €30m.
“Manchester City have completed the signing of Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea on a four-year deal,” the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League treble winners announced on their official website today.
“The 29-year-old 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 collecting the club’s Player of the Year award in 2019/20.
“He has so far won 95 caps for Croatia and was a key part of his country’s squad that reached the 2018 World Cup final and finished third at last year’s tournament in Qatar.”
Kovacic said he was thrilled to be joining City where he believes he can continue to develop under the guidance of manager Pep Guardiola.
“This is a brilliant move for me, and I cannot wait to get started with City,” Kovacic said.
“Anyone who has watched this team under Pep knows how good they are – for me, they are the best in the world. The trophies they have won are clear for all to see, but they are also the best footballing side out there.
“To be joining this squad really is a dream for any footballer. I still have plenty of learning and developing to do, and I know under Pep’s management I can become a better player, which is really exciting for me.
“My plan now is to rest for a few weeks before coming back to Manchester to prepare for the new season. I want to help this club stay at the top and win more trophies.”
On his part, 26-year-old Vicario’s move reportedly cost Tottenham £19m, with the Italy international signing a five-year deal.
“We are delighted to announce the signing of Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli, subject to international clearance and a work permit,” Tottenham stated today.
“The Italy international has signed a contract with the Club that will run until 2028 and will wear the number 13 shirt.
“Born in Udine, Italy, Guglielmo spent his early years with Bearzi, joining Udinese’s youth team in August, 2013, before a season-long loan with Fontanafredda during the 2014/15 campaign, where he made a total of 30 appearances.”
Vicario’s new club described him as a ‘commanding goalkeeper with the ability to play out from the back’.
Hmoved to Venezia in August, 2015, making 89 appearances in all competitions for the Italian side, keeping 28 clean sheets and, in 2016/17, helped the club earn promotion to Serie B, while also claiming the Coppa Italia Lega Pro.
He joined Empoli on a season-long loan from Calgiari in July, 2021 – a deal which turned permanent the following year.
A two-year spell with Empoli saw Vicario make 71 appearances in all competitions for the Serie A club, and his impressive performances earned him his first international call-up in September 2022, ahead of Italy’s latest UEFA Nations League campaign, where the Azzurri eventually finished in third place.
