Josko Gvardiol signs new Manchester City contract until 2031 | OneFootball

Manchester City have confirmed that defender Josko Gvardiol has signed a new long-term contract, extending his stay at the Etihad Stadium till the summer of 2031.

The 24-year-old joined Manchester City from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023, arriving as one of the most sought-after young defenders in European football after a sequence of performances at the World Cup in Qatar that announced him as a generational talent in the making.

Gvardiol wasted little time in vindicating the faith placed in him, establishing himself as a key presence in the backline and developing into one of the Premier League’s finest left-backs across a period of considerable transition at the club – earning widespread recognition for both his attacking contributions and his composure on the ball under pressure.

The Croatia international featured prominently for his country at the FIFA World Cup in North America this summer, facing club teammates from Portugal’s contingent in a Round of 16 fixture that captured the imagination of supporters on both sides, before returning to the Etihad Stadium for pre-season with his standing at the club firmly secured.

His continued development under former City boss Pep Guardiola makes the renewal a particularly timely one ahead of Enzo Maresca’s first season as manager, with Gvardiol firmly established as a cornerstone of the defensive unit around whom the next phase of the club’s ambitions will be built.

Gvardiol: The fans have been unbelievable from day one

Speaking to official club media upon the announcement of his contract extension, Gvardiol said: “As soon as I knew City wanted to renew my contract, I felt straight away it was what I wanted.

“The fans have been unbelievable from day one, the club provide absolutely everything for players. It’s the best club in the world to be at. I’ve felt so much love and respect during my three years here and don’t take that for granted.

“The players we have are amazing. This is a world-class squad, young and full of potential. I truly believe we’ll have a lot of success in the coming years.”

Josko is a player we really believe in: Viana

Director of football Hugo Viana paid tribute to a player who has grown into one of the most complete defenders in the Premier League since his arrival from Germany.

The Portuguese executive added: “Josko is a player this Club really believes in. He’s young, an outstanding professional and already one of the best defenders in the world. Manchester City are committed to keeping our best talent, which is why we’re so happy this new contract has been agreed.

“Josko epitomises what we want in defenders: can play multiple positions, quick, strong and when he attacks he does it superbly. He’s exceptional. But the way he conducts himself is also very impressive. This is a young man determined to be the best he can be – an approach totally aligned with our overall vision.

“I want to congratulate Josko on this new deal and everyone at City is now focused on ensuring he maximises his potential.”

What does Gvardiol’s renewal mean for Man City’s defensive plans?

Gvardiol’s new contract follows closely on the heels of similar long-term renewals for Phil Foden and Abdukodir Khusanov, with Manchester City making clear their commitment to securing the long-term futures of the players at the core of Maresca’s plans for the new era at the Etihad Stadium.

At just 24, Gvardiol remains several years short of the typical peak of a centre-back or full-back, and the confidence Viana and the club’s hierarchy have placed in his continued improvement reflects a belief that what supporters have already witnessed is only a fraction of what the Croatian international is capable of producing over the coming years.

The renewal also provides Maresca with the long-term certainty he needs to build a defensive structure around an elite talent, rather than managing the uncertainty that comes with a player entering the final stages of their contract – a pattern the club has now moved decisively to eliminate across multiple key positions in the space of a single summer.