Manchester City have confirmed the signing of centre-back Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig. The 21-year-old has penned a five-year contract with the option of a further year after City agreed a £77million fee.
Gvardiol becomes City’s second arrival of the summer after fellow Croatian Mateo Kovacic’s move from Chelsea.
“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 said. “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 be joining City is something very special for me and my family. 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.
“To be linking up with Mateo Kovacic will also be special. He’s a top footballer and I hope we can both help City achieve another successful season in 2023/24 and then beyond.”
Since Pep Guardiola’s side lifted the treble last season, Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez have both left, and there could yet be more outgoings, with interest in Bernardo Silva, Kyle Walker, Kalvin Phillips and Aymeric Laporte.
Gvardiol will compete for a place in the center of City’s defence alongside Ruben Dias, John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake.