Gvardiol signs new Manchester City deal
Manchester City announced on Tuesday that Josko Gvardiol has signed a new long-term contract, extending his stay at the club until 2031. The Croatian international joined City from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023 and has since established himself as a key defender.
Gvardiol expressed his satisfaction with the new deal, stating that he immediately felt it was what he wanted once he knew City intended to renew his contract. He praised the club’s support for players and the “unbelievable” reception from fans since his arrival. The 24-year-old defender also highlighted the squad’s potential, believing the team will achieve significant success in the coming years.
Gvardiol’s impact at City
Since his move to the Etihad, Gvardiol has made 122 appearances for the club, scoring 13 goals. During his tenure, he has contributed to City winning six major honours, including the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and Community Shield.
Gvardiol’s versatility has been a notable asset, as he has been deployed effectively as both a central defender and a left-back. He has also become a regular for the Croatian national team, earning 52 caps to date and was part of the Croatia squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.
His debut season saw him help City secure the 2023 UEFA Super Cup in Piraeus, Athens, where they defeated Sevilla in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. Later that year, he featured in City’s 4-0 victory over Fluminense, which crowned them 2023 FIFA Club World Cup champions. Gvardiol scored his first City goal in a UEFA Champions League quarter-final match against Real Madrid, and later scored a brace in a 4-0 win at Fulham, contributing to City’s 2023/24 Premier League title.
Director’s view and future outlook
Director of Football Hugo Viana affirmed the club’s belief in Gvardiol, describing him as a young, outstanding professional and one of the world’s best defenders. Viana emphasised City’s commitment to retaining top talent and highlighted Gvardiol’s ability to play multiple positions, his speed, strength, and attacking prowess.
Viana also commended Gvardiol’s conduct, noting his determination to excel, which aligns with the club’s vision. He extended congratulations to Gvardiol on the new deal, with everyone at City now focused on helping him maximise his potential.
Gvardiol’s career trajectory has seen him develop significantly since joining City. He arrived with a strong reputation from his time at Dinamo Zagreb and RB Leipzig. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new country, culture, and the demands of the Premier League, he quickly made an impact.
The 2024/25 campaign saw Gvardiol continue to improve, despite a season marked by injuries for the team. His consistent performance and overall excellence led to him making 55 appearances that term. He also helped the team win the 2024 Community Shield and scored a crucial goal in an FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.
However, a broken shinbone sustained in a 1-1 home draw with Chelsea in early January sidelined Gvardiol for a significant part of the last season. He recovered to feature at the end of the season and was part of the Croatia squad currently participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.
With his future secured, Gvardiol is now focused on contributing his talent as the club looks towards the 2026/27 season and beyond.
Source: mancity.com
