Truth behind Josko Gvardiol’s Manchester City uncertainty as new contract agreed | OneFootball

A new report has explained rumours that had seen Josko Gvardiol linked with an exit from Manchester City for several weeks, ultimately culminating in an agreed contract extension.

Gvardiol’s future at the Etihad Stadium had come under doubt in recent weeks as Manchester City plan for life beyond Pep Guardiola, who departed his role as manager in May after an illustrious decade in England’s north-west.

City signed Gvardiol from RB Leipzig for around £77 million in 2023 and the 24-year-old has since established himself as one of Europe’s best defenders, often bailing Guardiola and the Blues out of jail by exceeding expectations at left-back.

As City sporting director Hugo Viana, who has held preliminary transfer plans with incoming manager Enzo Maresca, plans for the 2026-27 season, Gvardiol’s future in Manchester was under doubt amid a growing belief that the Croatia international was open to a new challenge following Guardiola’s exit from the Etihad Stadium.

Report: Gvardiol chooses Man City stance despite open stance on new challenge

Now, as explained by The Athletic’s Sam Lee, Gvardiol had been considering options amid interest from ‘some of Europe’s biggest clubs’ – with reports pointing towards Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich – and had been tempted by the idea of a move.

However, it is insisted that there is also truth that the Croatian was always happy with life at Manchester City and in the region itself, and last week decided ‘the best thing for his future’ would be to stay at the Etihad Stadium.

It is no surprise as such, that one of the most highly-coveted defenders in the world – who has his best years in front of him – would be scouting his options after the departure of someone as important as Guardiola from Manchester City.

Who could partner Gvardiol in central defence under Maresca?

Gvardiol’s teammate Ruben Dias, who partnered the Croatian in central defence in what became Guardiola’s preferred defence pairing in his final season at City, is also assessing his options at as big as a sliding doors moment gets at the Etihad Stadium.

However, Manchester City have reached an agreement to tie down one of their best, most prized assets to a long-term contract as they prepare to welcome Maresca at the helm.

Compensation talks with Chelsea continue as lawyers look to resolve a matter that has delayed an official announcement from City to bring back their former EDS head coach and first-team assistant back to Manchester – just months after Maresca was relieved of his duties from Stamford Bridge.