Topics: English Premier League, Chelsea, Mateo Kovacic, Real Madrid, Transfer
The Blues were able to make this move despite the transfer ban slapped on them by FIFA.

Even with a pending transfer ban to be resolved, Chelsea managed to sign a player this summer.

Taking advantage of the player's previous loan deal, Mateo Kovacic will get to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge for the next five seasons. The player's loan expired on Sunday, which forced Chelsea to escalate negotiatons with Real Madrid to avoid a breach in the aforementioned ban. With a registry of the player already in the Premier League's books, this does not count as a new transfer, since the deal has been made permanent before the expiration date.

Both clubs agreed to seal Kovacic's transfer during the weekend, with Chelsea paying Real Madrid just over $50M. Details of Kovacic's wages with Chelsea were not revealed, but the contract between the player and the Blues will conclude with the 2023-24 season.

Kovacic's first reactions to the deal were revealed on Chelsea's website.

"I really enjoyed my season on loan with Chelsea,I feel comfortable at the club and like London and the Premier League very much. I am very happy to be able to join permanently. We had a successful year, winning the Europa League and I hope I can make a big contribution in the coming seasons," Kovacic stated.

Kovacic played 51 games for Chelsea last season, with 36 of those as a starter. The club's website highlighted the Croatian player's contribution to the 2018-19 UEFA Europa League title, as he was involved in three of the four goals scored by the Blues during that evening.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, benefits from Kovacic's sell in their intention to balance their statements after a massive amount of money spent in the ongoing summer transfer window.

Unfortunately for Chelsea fans, their chances to land one more signing this summer are slim, especially if the Court in Arbitrage for Sports does not hear their appeal.