Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol signs new contract until 2031
Josko Gvardiol signs a new contract with Manchester City until 2031. The Croatian defender, who joined in 2023, commits his long-term future to the club.
Gvardiol pens new deal - Manchester City FC
Manchester City has announced that Josko Gvardiol has signed a new contract, extending his stay with the club until 2031. The Croatian international joined City in the summer of 2023 from RB Leipzig and has since established himself as a key defender.
Gvardiol, who is 24 years old, has made 122 appearances for City, scoring 13 goals. During his time at the club, he has contributed to winning six major honours, including the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and Community Shield.
The defender expressed his enthusiasm for the new deal, stating that he felt it was what he wanted as soon as he knew City intended to renew his contract. He praised the club’s support for players and the “world-class squad” that is young and full of potential, anticipating future success.
Career Highlights and Impact
Since his arrival at the Etihad, Gvardiol has demonstrated his versatility, playing as both a central defender and a left-back. His debut season saw him help City secure the 2023 UEFA Super Cup in Piraeus, Athens, where they defeated Sevilla in a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw. He also featured in the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup victory against Fluminense, which ended 4-0.
Gvardiol scored his first City goal in a UEFA Champions League quarter-final match away at Real Madrid, which concluded in a 3-3 draw. In May 2024, he scored his first brace for the club in a crucial 4-0 win against Fulham, a result that was instrumental in City’s 2023/24 Premier League title triumph over Arsenal.
The 2024/25 campaign saw Gvardiol continue his strong form, despite a season marked by numerous injuries for the team. His consistent performance and overall excellence earned him the title of City’s official Player of the Season. He made 55 appearances that term, more than any other player.
He also played a part in the team’s 2024 Community Shield win and scored a key goal in an FA Cup semi-final victory against Nottingham Forest, which led City to their third consecutive FA Cup final.
Recovery and Future Outlook
Gvardiol’s progress was interrupted in the first half of last season when he sustained a broken shinbone in January during a 1-1 home draw with Chelsea. This injury sidelined him for a significant portion of the campaign.
However, he recovered in time to make two appearances towards the end of the season and joined the Croatia squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. He has earned 52 caps for the Croatian national team.
Director of Football Hugo Viana highlighted Gvardiol’s importance to the club, describing him as a young, outstanding professional and one of the best defenders globally. Viana noted Gvardiol’s ability to play multiple positions, his speed, strength, and impressive attacking contributions, aligning with the club’s vision.
Reports indicate that there was considerable interest from other major clubs, including Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, for Gvardiol’s signature. Manchester City reportedly paid €90 million to bring him from RB Leipzig. Gvardiol aims to be fully fit for the start of the new Premier League season, with the first match against Bournemouth scheduled for 23 August.
Source: mancity.com
Rohan Gupta
Sports Reporter
