English Premier League giants Chelsea will reportedly enter contract negotiation talks with Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic after the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Hailing from Dinamo Zagreb’s academy, Kovacic made his senior team debut for the club in 2010. He won back-to-back titles with the Croatian club before joining Italian giants Inter Milan in 2013.
He played three years for the Nerazzurri and then signed for La Liga giants Real Madrid. In a few weeks, Kovacic became an important player for Real Madrid. He won three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles with Los Blancos.
In 2018, Kovacic joined Serie A side Inter Milan on a one-year loan deal. the following season, however, the loan deal became a permanent one. The 28-year-old midfielder has already made his debut for the Croatian national team. He was part of the Croatian team that finished runner-up in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Chelsea to start renewal talks with Croatian star
Since joining Chelsea in 2018, Kovacic has been one of the Blues’ most important players. The Croatian played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s recent UEFA Champions League triumph.
And now, according to a report by the Evening Standard, the Blues will begin contract renewal discussions with the Croatian after the Qatar 2022 World Cup final.
His contract with Chelsea will end in the summer of 2024. Therefore, the Chelsea board currently has enough time to achieve this renewal agreement.
Kovacic had a brilliant performance in his last Champions League game against Red Bull Salzburg. The midfielder scored a scream to give Chelsea the lead. His goal was scored by Chukwubuike Adamu’s equaliser. Kovacic then had to leave the field due to a calf injury.
Fortunately for Chelsea, the injury is not serious. And the midfielder will be back in action soon. It’s a huge sigh of relief for the Croatian team as well. Kovacic is a key member of Croatia and is expected to take part in the upcoming World Cup in Qatar 2022.
Chelsea sacked their German manager Thomas Tuchel earlier this season. He was later replaced by British manager Graham Potter. With Potter in charge, Chelsea have turned their season around.
The Blues have qualified for the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League. They have also secured their place at the top of Group E with ten points from five games. Meanwhile, in the English Premier League, they are currently in fifth position with twenty points from eleven games.
Chelsea will play Brighton & Hove Albion in their next game.
