Transfers
Manchester City near long-term Josko Gvardiol renewal
Manchester City are confident they will seal a new contract for Josko Gvardiol until 2031 with an improved salary. The club says it is waiting for the final green light from the defender.
Real Madrid have been trying for weeks to lure Gvardiol to the Spanish capital. Barcelona entered the picture earlier this week with a concrete offer reportedly exceeding €80 million plus bonuses, which City blocked.
Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg confirmed that Manchester City’s proposal to Gvardiol’s representatives includes the improved salary terms. Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reported that City remain optimistic and await the final go‑ahead despite Real Madrid’s attempts.
Director of football Hugo Viana has made the renewal one of his most pressing priorities all summer. Gvardiol is viewed as the cornerstone around which incoming manager Enzo Maresca will build his defensive unit for the 2026‑27 season and beyond.
A contract until 2031 would extend Gvardiol’s stay at the Etihad Stadium by three years beyond his current deal, removing him from the market. Norwegian media cited expectations of a deal lasting at least until 2032 before the start of the new season.
Ruben Dias is reportedly mulling his club future while Nathan Ake is expected to depart the Etihad this summer. The final green light from Gvardiol will represent a major piece of business for Viana in what is shaping up to be a consequential summer for the club.