Chelsea have signed 18yr old Croatian youngster Mario Pasalic from Hajduk Split for around 3 million according to Sky Italia's Gianluca Di Marzo, later confirmed by Croatian newspaper Vecernji List. He is expected to remain at Hajduk for the rest of the season before joining up with his new club in July, where the player will earn around 240k per year. Despite being born in the German city of Mainz, Pasalic has represented Croatia at every level of youth international, currently with one goal from three appearances at U19 level. The 18yr old has been a regular starter for Hadjuk, who were eliminated in the third qualifying round of this season's Europa League. Lazio were favourites to sign the player but failed to reach an agreement with the club, allowing Chelsea to come in with a higher bid. At 6'1, Pasalic is a tall midfield general with the physical strength and versatility typically favoured by Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho. His goalscoring record is equally impressive, notching six strikes in eighteen appearances for Hadjuk this season. Pasalic becomes the third Croatian on Chelsea's books, joining goalkeeper Matej Delac, currently on loan to FK Sarajevo, and striker Stipe Perica, who has scored four goals in ten appearances on loan at Dutch side NAC Breda.
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