Josko Gvardiol’s Manchester City future takes fresh twist with new contract update | OneFootball

Manchester City are prepared to reward Josko Gvardiol with a new contract following the Croatian’s strong rise in Pep Guardiola’s side to date.

Having arrived from RB Leipzig as part of a long-term defensive succession plan, Gvardiol’s time at the Etihad Stadium has been defined by consistency, tactical maturity, and a clean bill of health.

With injuries disrupting major portions of last year’s campaign, the 23-year-old has emerged as one of Guardiola’s most dependable performers, rotating confidently between left-back and centre-back during a period in which several senior defenders have faced uncertain futures.

Manchester City’s intention to renew Gvardiol also forms part of a broader structural effort already evident last summer following a willingness to assess offers for Manuel Akanji and the long-term outlook for John Stones, who remains out of contract at the end of the campaign.

With Vitor Reis continuing his development on loan at Girona and the club tracking potential long-term right-back additions, City’s defensive blueprint relies heavily on locking in their premium assets. Gvardiol, now fully adapted to Guardiola’s demands, is firmly in that bracket.

According to the information of Manchester City insider ‘Tolmie’s Hairdoo’ on X, a new contract is in the works for the versatile Croatian defender at the Etihad Stadium off the back of a solid run of performances and consistency in availability.

A refreshed deal would not only reflect Josko Gvardiol’s elevated status in Pep Guardiola’s hierarchy but also send a clear message ahead of another transitional summer in defensive personnel.

City officials are acutely aware of interest across Europe in top-level left-sided defenders – an increasingly rare profile – and view early contract protection as essential in preventing future suitors from testing their resolve.

Looking ahead, a contract extension for Gvardiol could also influence the futures of other defenders under evaluation. Should Guardiola and the hierarchy sell Akanji to Inter as expected in 2026, or green-light a change of role for Stones, Gvardiol would effectively become the anchor around which the next iteration of City’s back line is built.

In terms of timeline, preliminary talks could progress quickly, particularly given Josko Gvardiol’s happiness in Manchester and Pep Guardiola’s long-standing admiration for him. With the manager’s own contract secure until the summer of 2027 and the club pushing to avoid the instability seen during the 2024/25 season, City are moving proactively to ensure key pillars are tied down early.