Manchester City completed the signing of Joško Gvardiol, a Croatian center-back, from Leipzig on Saturday for a substantial fee of 90 million euros ($99.2 million).
Gvardiol has join City on a five-year contract, making him one of the most expensive defenders in football history.
During his time with the Red Bulls, Gvardiol made 87 appearances in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons. His remarkable performance on the field included scoring five goals and contributing to the team’s success by winning two DFB-Pokal trophies.
On the international stage, Gvardiol has earned 21 caps for Croatia, particularly shining during their impressive third-place finish in the 2022 World Cup finals held in Qatar.
The 21-year-old footballer becomes the second signing of Manchester City ahead of the 2023/24 season. He will be teaming up with his Croatian teammate Mateo Kovacic.
The one you've all been waiting for! 💪 pic.twitter.com/JgpriArbuS
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 5, 2023
Director of Football Txiki Begiristain said:
“We are very happy to bring Josko to Manchester City.
“He is a player we have watched closely, and we feel he has a superb set of attributes.
“Top clubs all over Europe have been monitoring him, so to bring him here is great news for us.
“Josko has so many qualities – everything you want in a centre-half. He is fast, competitive, combative, strong in the air, impressive in possession of the ball, with strong self-belief and a good character. He is left-footed, too, which offers us good options at the back.
“He is still young but his progress in the game has been rapid. We feel confident his upward trajectory will continue here at City working with Pep and his staff.”
After Signing with Manchester City Gvardiol Said:
“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.
“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.”
Also Read: Nathan Ake extends his contract with Man City until 2027
Joško Gvardiol Stats:
| Season | Club | Played | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019/20 | Dinamo Zagreb | 15 | 1 | 1 |
| 2020/21 | Dinamo Zagreb | 41 | 3 | 3 |
| 2021/22 | RB Leipzig | 46 | 2 | 3 |
| 2022/23 | RB Leipzig | 41 | 3 | 0 |
