City Almost Set A New Record With Latest Defensive Signing

Fresh from our 2022/23 successes, Manchester City and manager Pep Guardiola's pre season plans are in full flow ahead of the coming big Premier League kick off against Burnley at Turf Moor on Friday evening and with City fans seeing plenty of familiar names and faces depart this summer, ahead of Sunday's FA Community Shield clash with Arsenal, we finally announced the official capture of centre back Josko Gvardiol.

The 21 year old Croatian international played his part in helping his country to finish third at the first ever winter World Cup out in Qatar last year, and in signing a five year deal at the Etihad Stadium as he completes his move from RB Leipzig, the transfer fee of £77 million makes him the second most expensive centre half of all time (following the £80 million our neighbours paid to Leicester City for Harry Maguire back in 2019).

For those who like a flutter on their football, and do so safely, non Gamstop betting, may be of interest to them. There will be a plethora of things for City fans to tinker with in the upcoming campaign, not least available odds on who may be our next signing this summer, but in Pep we trust.

Gvardiol joined Leipzig back in the summer of 2021 from Dinamo Zagreb, and he seriously impressed for them with his performances over the last two seasons - he leaves the club having made 88 appearances in total for them across all competitions, including European experience.

He also comes in with 21 caps to his name at international level, so despite his tender age, he comes in with very good game time and good overall experience under his belt. City have handed him the No 24 shirt for the campaign that lies ahead of us.

Speaking to the media after his arrival was officially announced, Gvardiol admitted that a move to the English Premier League was a dream come true for him.

"I have always dreamed of one day playing in England. To be doing so now with Manchester City - after the season they have just had - is a real honour for me."

Speaking more specifically about City, he went on to add.

"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 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 (fellow Croatian midfielder) Mateo Kovacic will also be special."

The earlier arrival of Kovacic from Chelsea, should certainly help the 21 year old youngster settle in quicker as he adjusts to life in the country, gets to know his new team mates and adjusts to the pace of our top flight game, but he will still need to be given some time, space and leeway as he adjusts fully.

How well they may know each other, I do not know, but having faced off against Erling Haaland during their time in the Bundesliga, he should also help in the adjustment process. Gvardiol certainly sees the funny side of it anyway.

"Luckily, I'm on his side now and I don't have to take care of him anymore."

It could be another good season ahead, as presumably there is still a new face or two to come in.