Extension comes after much speculation that the Croatia defender might leave the club
Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol is set to sign a new contract as the club move to secure his future amid interest from other top clubs.
The Croatia international had been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium after an injury-disrupted season, but City have moved to lock down one of their most important players with improved terms. Reports earlier on Monday indicated that Gvardiol intended to remain in Manchester and was considering a contract offer from the club.
An agreement would provide a significant boost for City as they prepare for a period of change following the departure of Pep Guardiola at the end of last season.
The club are expected to appoint Enzo Maresca as Guardiola’s successor and are also preparing to lose experienced figures including Bernardo Silva and John Stones when their contracts expire this summer.
Keeping Gvardiol has therefore become a priority. Since arriving from RB Leipzig in 2023 in a deal worth €90m, the 24-year-old has established himself as a key member of City’s defence. He has made 122 appearances in all competitions, contributing 13 goals and 10 assists while helping the club win the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup. His performances during the 2024-25 season also earned him City’s player of the year award.
The proposed extension comes after a difficult campaign in which Gvardiol was restricted to 25 appearances. A fractured tibia suffered in January sidelined him for four months and raised questions over his immediate future.
He returned before the end of the season, however, featuring in two of City’s final three matches and re-establishing his place in the Croatia squad.
His recovery was recognised by Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic, who included the defender in his World Cup squad for this summer’s tournament. Croatia begin their campaign on Wednesday, with Gvardiol expected to play a prominent role.
City view the defender as a central part of their plans for the coming years, and a new contract would underline his importance ahead of a new era under Maresca.
