Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Josko Gvardiol on a five-year deal from German side RB Leipzig in what is believed to make him the second most expensive defender ever.
The two sides have struck an agreement over a deal worth 90m euros (£77m) which will see Gvardiol ply his trade at the Etihad for the upcoming season and beyond, a move that will make the Croatian the second most expensive defender of all time, behind only Harry Maguire whose £80m move to Manchester United remains top of the pile.
Predominantly a left-sided defender, Gvardiol will fight it out with Nathan Ake for a spot in Guardiola’s starting XI, with the Dutchman having just penned a new contract after the best season of his career at the Etihad.
Josko Gvardiol signs for City! 🩵 pic.twitter.com/MN6euvK0y0
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 5, 2023
“I have always dreamed of one day playing in England and to be doing so now with Manchester City – after the season they have just had – is a real honour for me”, Gvardiol told the Manchester City website.
“Anyone who saw Manchester City play last season knows they are the best team in the world. To win the Treble says everything you need to know about the quality this team has.
“To have the chance to work with Pep Guardiola, too, will be amazing. I know I am not yet the finished article and I am sure my game will progress under the best coach in football.
Walker’s future in the air?
Meanwhile, Manchester City are struggling to reach an agreement with Kyle Walker over a new deal at the club amid interest from Bayern Munich. As per the Athletic, the English defender has already turned down one new contract offer this summer, but the club have offered a second one.
Walker though remains keen on a move to Bavaria, though negotiations between the two clubs are proving tricky for the man described by Pep Guardiola as ‘irreplaceable’.
