Mateo Kovacic, a Croatian midfielder, has joined Manchester City from Chelsea for an initial fee of £25 million.
The 29-year-old signed a four-year contract worth a possible £5 million in add-ons.
After winning the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup last season, Kovacic is City’s first summer signing.
“This is a brilliant move for me, and I can’t wait to start with City,” Kovacic said.
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His arrival comes after the club announced the free transfer of Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona.
“Anyone who has watched this team under [manager] Pep [Guardiola knows how good they are – for me, they are the best in the world,” Kovacic added.
“The titles they have won are obvious, but they are also the best footballing team in the world.
“Being a part of this squad is a dream for any footballer.
“I still have a lot to learn and improve, and I know that under Pep’s guidance, I can become a better player, which is really exciting for me.”
Kovacic joined Chelsea on loan from Real Madrid in August 2018 before signing a five-year contract.
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He appeared in 37 games for the team last season, as they finished 12th in the Premier League.
He was a late replacement in Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the 2021 Champions League final.
He has made 95 appearances for Croatia, starting every game as they placed third in the 2022 World Cup.
“It was a very simple decision to bring him to City because he has the tactical and technical qualities we are looking for in a midfielder,” said City Director of Football Txiki Begiristain.
“He is someone we have monitored for a very long time and always we were impressed whenever we watched him.”