Mateo Kovacic leaves Real Madrid to join Chelsea on loan
Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic has been sent to Chelsea FC on loan. Here’s a look at the move and what this could mean for the squad.
Real Madrid has announced on their website that midfielder Mateo Kovacic has been sent on loan to Chelsea FC. Rumours about Mateo’s departure have been circulating for the past few weeks with offers coming in from different clubs. Some of which included his former club Inter Milan as well as interest from the Premier League.
After creating a ruckus for weeks on end, Mateo Kovacic’s wish has finally been granted. During the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the Croatian made some surprising comments that raised eyebrows of many affiliated with Real. Kovacic said that he did not receive the minutes that he was hoping for last season and as a result would like to move.
The statement released by the club was kept very short and simple sharing no more than the duration of his deal. Mateo will be out on loan until June 30, 2019. Chelsea FC shared on their official Twitter account that the transfer was part of the Thibaut Courtois move to Real Madrid. Kovacic’s medical was conducted on Wednesday before the announcement of Courtois arrival to Madrid.
We have tonight agreed terms with Real Madrid for the transfer of Thibaut Courtois, subject to the agreement of personal terms and a medical. As part of the deal, Mateo Kovacic will join Chelsea on a season-long loan.https://t.co/WXhHzEdf6D
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 8, 2018
While the announcement of both clubs failed to make mention of any buy-out clause, different media outlets have varying stories. English media have reported that the deal between the two clubs involves a buy-out clause but Spanish media said no such thing exists.
Kovacic’s move was understandable having been the fourth choice midfielder. Ahead of him included Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro. Many suspected that he would be the heir to Modric’s throne showing great poise and control in his game. With the move to Chelsea and a blurry image regarding his return, that could all change for the Croat.
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His departure has bumped up other midfielders in the squad. This could in turn help with the development of youngsters like Dani Ceballos and Marco Llorente. Both were expected to be sent out on loan but their growth could happen right before the clubs eyes. Irrespective, Julen Lopotegui has a wealth of talent on his bench, mixing and matching will the trick.