According to Spanish newspaper Marca and several other sources, Mateo Kovacic’s season-long loan deal with Chelsea will not have a buying option.
Kovacic ya viaja a Londres para pasar el reconocimiento médico con el Chelsea https://t.co/d7M2qTaCAe Informa @jigochoa pic.twitter.com/bVZWzD5m2B
— MARCA (@marca) August 8, 2018
I've heard no buyout clause for Kovacic from two different sources, I know others have reported differently though. #CFC #RMCF
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) August 8, 2018
It is not the arrangement expected by Chelsea, as they were hoping to include a clause in the deal that could make Kovacic’s stay a permanent one — inspired by the deals we see so often in Italy’s Serie A. However, the 24-year-old midfielder is still highly valued by Real Madrid’s brass and they do not want to lose him, even though he may have pushed for a permanent move instead of a temporary one.
From Spain: Mateo Kovacic wants permanent transfer option, as Chelsea deal pushed. https://t.co/mieHJzBpWF #cfc
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) August 8, 2018
There is one good aspect in this situation. As Ruben Loftus-Cheek seems set to stay at the Bridge this season and potentially fight over Kovacic for minutes on the pitch, his path towards a starting spot — be it this season or in the next one — would not be blocked by the Croatian arriving in a permanent switch.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek still unsure of his future but he is definitely committed to being a Chelsea player for now: https://t.co/aMN34yK1BM #CFC
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) August 8, 2018
And there is a good chance that Kovacic’s success and good rapport with the fans will have him making a push to stay in definitive at the Bridge. It will certainly cost us a lot, but it could be worth it if he matches talents with success on the English fields.