Share

Kovacic agrees Real move

Madrid - Real Madrid have added another player to their already swollen midfield ranks after agreeing to sign Croatian international Mateo Kovacic from Inter Milan subject to a medical.

Real said on their website on Tuesday that the 21-year-old had agreed a six-year contract and would be presented at the Bernabeu stadium on Wednesday.

No financial details were disclosed but Spanish media reported the transfer fee was around 30 million.

Kovacic is viewed as ideal backup for Croatia team mate Luka Modric and Germany midfielder Toni Kroos at Real.

He will compete for a place with the likes of James Rodriguez, Isco, Asier Illarramendi, Casemiro and Lucas Silva although his arrival could prompt the exit of at least one of those players.

Born in Austria, Kovacic came through the Dynamo Zagreb youth academy and helped the club win two Croatian league titles and two domestic cups before joining Inter in January 2013.

He made his Champions League debut for Zagreb against Real in 2011-12 and later that season became the second youngest goalscorer in the competition.

"With unquestionable technical ability, Kovacic stands out for his ball control, his dribbling and his passing into space," Real said.

"These attributes allow him to play as an attacking midfielder as well as a little further back where his high percentage of successful passes is a sure means of getting the side moving."

Kovacic made his debut for Croatia in a World Cup qualifier against Serbia in March 2013 and has won 21 caps including three at last year's finals in Brazil.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE