UMVA has learned that Manchester City are working tirelessly to secure Joško Gvardiol’s long-term future, with talks over a contract extension now underway.
The Croatian defender has caught the eye of several top European clubs, but City are keen to keep him at the Etihad for the long haul, with a new deal potentially keeping him at the club until 2030. This move is a clear indication of how highly City rate Gvardiol, and his versatility on the pitch has made him a prized asset.
Gvardiol’s current contract runs until 2028, but City are eager to avoid waiting too long and risking outside interest becoming more serious. His ability to play as a centre-back, left-back, or hybrid defender gives any manager huge tactical flexibility, making him a valuable asset for the club’s future plans.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Bayern Munich and Barcelona have been keeping a close eye on Gvardiol, but City feel positive about keeping him despite the transfer rumours. At 24, he is still nowhere near his peak, and City believe that rewarding him now would be a smart move.
Keeping Gvardiol would be just as important as making a big signing, especially as City enter a new phase and look to rebuild their team. Losing a defender of this quality would send the wrong message, but City hold the strongest cards in these negotiations. A successful extension would be a major statement that the club’s rebuild starts from the back.
