Kovacic wants to be anywhere but back at Real Madrid next season — report

Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic has made up his mind. According to Spanish newspaper Marca (via Sport Witness), the Real Madrid loanee will do “everything possible” to not end up back at the Santiago Bernabéu next season.

This matches reporting from throughout the season about Kovacic’s intentions, as well as recent reports from Spain about Madrid being ready and willing to move on as well.

Kovacic’s time in the Spanish capital was far from ideal. From his arrival in 2015 to his loan to Chelsea last summer, Kovacic had featured in just 5391 minutes across 109 appearances — or 49.5 minutes per appearances. At Chelsea, he’s on track to collect at least half that many minutes in just one season, and that despite competing with two players for the same position.

This, however, could be his first and only season at Chelsea, thanks to our impending transfer ban that is still under appeal. Kovacic had expressed his desire to continue at the Bridge, and Chelsea might be willing to fork over the money needed to keep the 24-year-old as well, but if the transfer ban stays in place, we would not be allowed to register new players.

But then again, would that really be our loss?