Manchester City have finalized the signing of Josko Gvardiol, the talented Croatia centre-back, in a five-year contract worth 90 million euros (£77 million) from RB Leipzig. This makes him the second most expensive defender in history, only behind Harry Maguire, who moved to Manchester United for £80 million from Leicester City in 2019. Gvardiol, aged 21, has made a strong impression during his two seasons at Leipzig after joining from Dinamo Zagreb in July 2021.
Expressing his excitement, Gvardiol stated that it has always been his dream to play in England, and he feels honored to be joining Manchester City, particularly after their successful season. He praised the team’s quality, evident in their Treble win, and looks forward to working with Pep Guardiola, considering him the best coach in football.
Gvardiol has represented Croatia 21 times and was part of the team that finished third in the 2022 World Cup and was runners-up to Spain in the recent Nations League. He will wear the number 24 shirt for Manchester City. Additionally, he expressed enthusiasm about playing alongside Mateo Kovacic, his fellow Croatian midfielder who recently joined City from Chelsea.
City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, highlighted Gvardiol’s exceptional attributes, describing him as a complete centre-half with impressive speed, competitiveness, aerial ability, ball possession skills, and self-belief. Gvardiol’s experience includes winning back-to-back titles with Zagreb and securing the German Cup during his time with RB Leipzig. He was also part of the Leipzig squad that reached the Europa League semi-finals in the 2021-22 season.
Gvardiol is relieved that he will no longer have to face City’s prolific striker, Erling Haaland, as he is now on the same team with him. Overall, his signing is seen as a major boost for Manchester City, given the high demand for his talents among top clubs across Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Signing
Q: Who did Manchester City sign from RB Leipzig?
A: Manchester City signed Croatia centre-back Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig.
Q: How much did the transfer cost Manchester City?
A: The transfer cost Manchester City 90 million euros (£77 million).
Q: What is the length of Josko Gvardiol’s contract with Manchester City?
A: Josko Gvardiol signed a five-year contract with Manchester City.
Q: What position does Josko Gvardiol play?
A: Josko Gvardiol plays as a centre-back.
Q: What are some of Josko Gvardiol’s achievements?
A: Josko Gvardiol helped Croatia finish third in the 2022 World Cup and was part of the team that finished as runners-up in the Nations League. He also won the German Cup with RB Leipzig and reached the Europa League semi-finals in the 2021-22 season.
Q: What is Gvardiol’s opinion about joining Manchester City?
A: Gvardiol expressed his excitement about joining Manchester City and mentioned that he has always dreamed of playing in England. He considers it a real honor, especially after the team’s successful season.
Q: How does Gvardiol feel about working with Pep Guardiola?
A: Gvardiol looks forward to working with Pep Guardiola and believes it will be an amazing opportunity to progress his game under the guidance of the best coach in football.
Q: Who else did Manchester City sign in the transfer window?
A: Manchester City also signed Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea for an initial £25 million.
Q: Which number shirt will Gvardiol wear at Manchester City?
A: Josko Gvardiol will wear the number 24 shirt at Manchester City.
Q: What is Gvardiol’s view on playing alongside Erling Haaland?
A: Gvardiol expressed his pleasure at being on Haaland’s side now and not having to face the prolific striker as an opponent.
More about Signing
- BBC Sport – Manchester City sign Croatia centre-back from RB Leipzig
- The Guardian – Manchester City sign Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol for £77m
- Sky Sports – Manchester City complete £77m signing of Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig
- ESPN – Manchester City confirm signing of defender Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig
- Manchester City Official Website (for official confirmation)
