Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol has agreed to a new contract that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2031, according to sources close to BBC Sport. This news comes as a relief for fans who had been anxious about his future, given that his current deal was set to expire in 2028.
This new agreement puts an end to speculation about Gvardiol's potential move away from Etihad Stadium. There were external rumours linking him with La Liga giants Real Madrid and Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich. However, this latest development confirms that the Croatian international is set for a long-term stay in Manchester.
BBC Sport reported last week that talks between City and Gvardiol were progressing well and there was positivity surrounding the negotiations. The successful conclusion of these discussions will undoubtedly bolster the team's defensive line-up for years to come.
Preparing for World Cup duty
Gvardiol is currently on international duty with Croatia preparing for their World Cup fixture. He could potentially face some of his Manchester City teammates when Croatia takes on England in their opening game this Wednesday (kick-off at 21:00 BST). The versatile defender won City's player of the season award back in 2024-25 but had a challenging time last season due to injury setbacks.
Gvardiol played only 25 games across all competitions during last season after sustaining a broken leg in January which kept him out of action for four months. Despite these challenges, he demonstrated resilience by returning towards the end of Premier League action in May. He made appearances against Crystal Palace where he featured for 58 minutes and also played during the final game against Aston Villa where he came on during the last twelve minutes.
Known for his adeptness at playing either centre-back or left-back positions, Gvardiol's return to full fitness and his new contract will be a significant boost for Manchester City as they look forward to the upcoming season. Gvardiol's commitment to Manchester City until 2031 is a testament to his loyalty and belief in the club's ambitions. His presence will undoubtedly strengthen the team's defence, providing stability and experience in crucial games. For sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts alike, this news adds an exciting dimension to the forthcoming Premier League season.
