21-year-old Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol has joined Manchester City from RB Leipzig in a deal worth €90 million deal.
Josko Gvardiol is now officially a Manchester City player. The Premier League champions have made an official statement to confirm that they have secured the services of the 21-year-old. And they have shelled out €90 million to sign the left-footed centre-back from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig.
The young Croat expressed his delight at completing the move. He 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.”
Josko Gvardiol has established himself as one of the best young prospects in the world in the last few years. The 21-year-old is a graduate of the Dinamo Zagreb Academy and rose to prominence at the club. But his stock skyrocketed after moving to RB Leipzig two years ago.
Welcome, Josko! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/h5twzhVNy1
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 5, 2023
The 21-year-old was a mainstay at the back at the Bundesliga club in the last two seasons. He turned out 87 times for RB Leipzig, chipping in with five goals and three assists. Gvardiol’s stock also rose on the international stage, particularly at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he was arguably the best defender. And his progress captured the attention of several top clubs, including Manchester City.
The Premier League champions had been monitoring his progress for a long time. And while clubs like Chelsea and Real Madrid also showed interest in securing Gvardiol’s services, Manchester City remained clear of the competition. They soon secured an agreement to sign the Croat from RB Leipzig.
But the finer details delayed the move before he finally underwent his medical on Friday. And the move is now complete, with the Croatian international signing a five-year contract at Manchester City. Meanwhile, a report by BBC has claimed that Manchester City will pay €90 million to land him. And if he continues his progress, the transfer fee will be worth it in the coming years.
