City Signs Gvardiol From RB Leipzig

Following the back and forth with RB Leipzig, Manchester City has finally gotten their second summer signing over the line, as the club formally announces the arrival of Josko Gvardiol on a 5-year year contract today.

The 21-year-old who immensely impressed for Croatia at the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup has reportedly been on the radar of Pep Guardiola ever since, with the defender also keen on the move to the Etihad Stadium, so it was only a matter of time before the deal will be finalized.

Speaking about his admiration for Pep and his team, Gvardiol said: “I have always dreamed of one day playing in England and to be doing so now with Manchester City – after the season they have just had – is a real honour for me.

“Anyone who saw Manchester City play last season knows they are the best team in the world. To win the Treble says everything you need to know about the quality this team has.

“To be joining City is something very special for me and my family.

“To have the chance to work with Pep Guardiola, too, will be amazing. I know I am not yet the finished article and I am sure my game will progress under the best coach in football.

The Croatian will be linking up with fellow compatriot Mateo Kovacic who City recently just signed from Chelsea on a four-year deal.

“To be linking up with Mateo Kovacic will also be special. He’s a top footballer and I hope we can both help City achieve another successful season in 2023/24 and then beyond,” Gvardiol said.

City’s Director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: “We are very happy to bring Josko to Manchester City.

“He is a player we have watched closely, and we feel he has a superb set of attributes.

“Top clubs all over Europe have been monitoring him, so to bring him here is great news for us.

“Josko has so many qualities – everything you want in a centre-half. He is fast, competitive, combative, strong in the air, impressive in possession of the ball, with strong self-belief and a good character. He is left-footed, too, which offers us good options at the back.

“He is still young but his progress in the game has been rapid. We feel confident his upward trajectory will continue here at City working with Pep and his staff.”

Gvardiol whose last four seasons were at Dynamo Zagreb and RB Leipzig will don the number 24 jersey ahead of his new beginning at Manchester.