Manchester City set to extend Gvardiol until 2031

Manchester City are confident they can extend Josko Gvardiol’s contract until 2031 with a higher salary, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The Croatian defender’s current deal runs to summer 2028, and the club has been negotiating a renewal for some time. Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has flagged the defensive line as a key weakness and has already secured Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries for Los Blancos, with the transfers expected to be finalised after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mourinho continues to search for another centre‑back, and Josko Gvardiol of Manchester City emerged as a primary target.

Fabrizio Romano announces Marc Cucurella's six-year Real Madrid move

Earlier Spanish reports suggested Gvardiol had paused talks after Real Madrid’s interest surfaced, but Romano says the Premier League heavyweights remain optimistic about sealing a new deal despite the Spanish club’s push. The proposed extension would push the expiry to 2031 and raise the player’s wages.

Manchester City confident Josko Gvardiol will renew contract

With Gvardiol likely to stay at Manchester City, Real Madrid must explore other options, including Nico Schlotterbeck of Borussia Dortmund, Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal and Tomas Araujo of SL Benfica. The club is also considering promoting academy prospects Joan Martinez or Diego Aguado to the senior squad.