- Premier League giants Manchester City have officially completed the signing of defender Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig
- Gvardiol has signed a five-year deal with Manchester City, who won the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League last season
Premier League giants Manchester City have officially completed the signing of defender Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig.
According to reports, the deal is worth £77.6 million, making Gvardiol the second most expensive defender of all time after Harry Maguire. The England international joined Manchester United from Leicester City for £80 million in the summer of 2019.
Josko Gvardiol has joined City on a five-year deal. Photo/ YouTube.
Gvardiol has signed a five-year deal with Manchester City, who won the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League last season. The 21-year-old is the second signing the Cytizens have made this summer transfer window following the arrival of Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea.
Speaking after joining Manchester City, Josko Gvardiol said he had always dreamed of playing in England. The 21-year-old also said City was the best team in the world.
“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.” Josko Gvardiol is quoted by Manchester City’s official website.
Gvardiol, who plays as a centre-back, has impressed in his two seasons at Leipzig. He helped the Bundesliga side win the German Cup as well as qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. He was in Leipzig’s side that reached the Europa League semi-finals during the 2021-22 season, losing 3-2 to Rangers.
The Croatian defender was part of Leipzig’s side that finished third in the Champions League group that Manchester City topped during the 2021-22 season. He also played last season as his new club thrashed Leipzig 8-1 over two legs, including a 7-0 thrashing at Etihad Stadium.
Gvardiol had a difficult time marking Erling Haaland last season. The 21-year-old was pleased by the fact that he will now be playing alongside Haaland.
“Luckily, I’m on his [Erling Haaland] side now and I don’t have to take care of him anymore.” BBC Sports quotes Gvardiol.
Josko Gvardiol playing against Erling Haaland. Photo/ Manchester Evening News.
Just like Mateo Kovacic, who is now his teammate at Manchester City, Josko Gvardiol began his senior career at Dinamo Zagreb. In his two seasons with Dinamo Zagreb, Gvardiol won two Croatian League titles, one Croatian Super Cup and a Croatian Cup. He then joined RB Leipzig in the summer of 2021.
At international level, Gvardiol represents the Croatia national team. The 21-year-old defender showed a dominant performance during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, helping his country finish third.
Apart from Manchester City, Gvardiol was also on the radar of other top clubs, including Real Madrid, Liverpool and Chelsea.
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