World Cup
Josko Gvardiol aims to stay at Manchester City
Josko Gvardiol has publicly declared his desire to remain at Manchester City long-term amid contract talks and Real Madrid interest. He made the comments to Manchester City’s official media channels.
Manchester City are reported to be confident of sealing a new contract for Gvardiol that would run until 2031, with an improved salary. The club view the deal as a way to end the summer’s protracted transfer saga.
Gvardiol said, “It’s my third season at Man City, of course, and hopefully I’m going to stay here as well, for many more years.” He added the remark ahead of Croatia’s FIFA World Cup opener against England on June 17, where he will line up alongside John Stones and Marc Guehi.
The defender arrived from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023 for a fee exceeding £77 million and initially struggled to meet Pep Guardiola’s demands. He has since established himself as one of the Premier League’s most complete left‑sided defenders.
Real Madrid have maintained a sustained pursuit of Gvardiol, while Barcelona submitted a concrete proposal that Manchester City blocked. Director of football Hugo Viana has made the renewal a top off‑season priority, and incoming manager Enzo Maresca sees Gvardiol as the defensive cornerstone for the next era, especially as Ruben Dias weighs his club future and Nathan Ake is expected to depart.