Croatian international signs five-year contract with the Blues after joining from RB Leipzig
Josko Gvardiol has joined City from RB Leipzig, the club confirmed today. The 21-year-old will cost the club £78m, significantly less than the €100m fee that the German side had initially edmanded.
The Croatian international has signed a five-year contract with the Blues, and becomes Pep Guardiola's second signing of the summer, following compatriot Mateo Kovacic to The Etihad.
Gvardiol expressed his delight at joining the reigning European champions:
“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.
“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.”
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.”