Manchester City have agreed terms with defender Josko Gvardiol on a new five-year contract, a significant success for sporting director Hugo Viana, according to TEAMtalk. The agreement includes a substantial pay rise reflecting Gvardiol’s importance to the squad since joining from RB Leipzig in 2023.
Gvardiol has established himself as one of the Premier League’s top defenders, showcasing versatility in both central defense and at left-back. His performances attracted interest from several European giants this summer, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich, with Real Madrid viewing him as a priority target under new coach Jose Mourinho. However, City remained firm in their resolve to retain the Croatian international.
Real Madrid, upon learning of Gvardiol’s commitment to City, quickly shifted their focus to Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella, and subsequently agreed a deal for the Spanish defender. For Manchester City, retaining Gvardiol was paramount as they continue to build for the future under Viana’s direction.
Following the successful negotiation with Gvardiol, Manchester City have now begun discussions with midfielder Matheus Nunes regarding a potential contract extension. Nunes has impressed club officials with his performances and adaptability, featuring in both midfield and at right-back. City believe Nunes has become a valuable asset and are keen to extend his stay beyond his current deal, which has two years remaining. Securing Nunes to a longer-term contract would further solidify City’s midfield options and provide valuable squad depth.
