How Chelsea exploited loophole in transfer deal to sign Kovacic despite FIFA ban
Dickson Mose
Chelsea are on the verge of completing the signing of Mateo Kovacic from Real Madrid in a deal worth £45million.
The deal will be sewn up soon despite the club's ban to sign new players after it was allegedly found guilty of breaching Fifa rules over 29 youth players.
Chelsea initially signed the Croat as part of a swap deal in the Courtois transfer, and the two sides agreed an 'option to buy' clause.
This means, if Chelsea triggers the buy out clause, it would be seen as an extension of the current deal rather than a new player registration
The deal, however, has to be sorted out before July 1, when his loan deal expires.
Kovacic had an indifferent first season at the club and failed to impress under coach Maurizio Sarri, managing a paltry four assists with no goal in his 32 appearances for the club.
He made little impact during his stay in England, with many fans amused by the club's decision to sign him on a parmanent basis.
The club is currently without a manager after Sarri left to join Juventus having spent a single season in charge of the West-London side.
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