Manchester United sign Real Madrid midfielder in €60m deal
Manchester United have completed the signing of Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovačić for a reported €60m fee, the Premier League club confirmed on Thursday. The 29-year-old Croatia international has signed a four-year contract at Old Trafford following three seasons in La Liga.
Kovačić becomes United's first major summer acquisition as new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks to revitalize Erik ten Hag's midfield options. The move addresses United's need for experienced creativity in central areas following Christian Eriksen's expected departure and Casemiro's recurring fitness concerns.
Despite starting only 18 league matches last season, Kovačić contributed three goals and five assists across all competitions for Champions League winners Real Madrid. His technical security and progressive passing profile attracted United's recruitment team, who view him as an immediate starter capable of linking defense and attack.
For Real Madrid, the transfer continues their strategy of refreshing midfield options after last summer's signing of Jude Bellingham. The Spanish giants stand to make a €15m profit on a player originally signed from Chelsea in 2021, with manager Carlo Ancelotti reportedly prioritizing minutes for younger talents Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni.
Kovačić's arrival could accelerate United's plans to offload fringe midfielders, with Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay both linked with summer exits. The Croatian is expected to join the club's preseason tour of the United States next week as preparations intensify for Ten Hag's third campaign in charge.