Joško Gvardiol extends contract with Manchester City until 2031

Manchester City locks down one of its defensive linchpins. Having arrived in 2023 for a hefty fee, Joško Gvardiol has extended his stay by an additional three years.

Joško Gvardiol will continue his journey with Manchester City until the summer of 2031. The 24-year-old Croatian international defender, now capped 52 times, has put pen to paper on a new five-year contract. His previous deal had been set to expire in June 2028.

"Joško Gvardiol has signed a new five-year contract, keeping him at Manchester City until the summer of 2031," officially announced the English club.

A transfer estimated at €90 million

Signed in August 2023 from RB Leipzig, Gvardiol reportedly cost around €90 million, equivalent to £77.6 million. The exact figure was never officially disclosed by either club. This move made him the second most expensive defender in football history at the time.

Since settling in at the Etihad Stadium, the Zagreb native has played 122 matches across all competitions, netted 13 goals, and provided ten assists. His versatility—capable of playing centrally or on the left—has cemented his status as a cornerstone of the Cityzens' back line.

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Six trophies in three seasons

Gvardiol has already helped clinch six titles in a Manchester City shirt: the 2023 UEFA Super Cup, the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup, the 2023-2024 Premier League, the 2024 Community Shield, the 2025-2026 League Cup, and the 2025-2026 FA Cup.

His progress was temporarily halted by a fractured right tibia suffered against Chelsea in January 2026. Sidelined for 118 days, the Croatian missed 27 matches before making his comeback late in the season. Despite this long layoff, the club's faith in him never wavered.

A response to Real Madrid rumors

Once rumored to be a target for Real Madrid, Gvardiol has now firmly committed to City's project. His contract extension is also a strong statement from the club's management: Manchester City is securing a young, versatile, and already top-level defender for the future.

"As soon as I knew City wanted to extend my contract, I immediately felt it was what I wanted. This is the best club in the world to play for. I have felt so much love and respect during my three years here, and I don’t take it for granted. The players we have are fantastic. It’s a world-class squad, young and full of potential. I truly believe we will achieve great things in the years ahead," said Gvardiol.

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

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Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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