Chelsea have signed Mateo Kovacic on a five-year deal from Real Madrid.
The midfielder initially moved to Stamford Bridge on loan last summer, helping the Blues to win the Europa League in May.
He has now completed a permanent move, with the Blues expected to appoint Frank Lampard as their new manager in the coming days.
.@Mateo_Kova23 is here to stay! 🙌— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 1, 2019
Kovacic told the club’s official website: “I really enjoyed my season on loan with Chelsea, I feel comfortable at the club and like London and the Premier League very much. I am very happy to be able to join permanently.
“We had a successful year, winning the Europa League and I hope I can make a big contribution in the coming seasons.”
The 25-year-old – who had been at Madrid since 2015 – made 51 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea, who finished third in the Premier League, but did not score.
