- Josko Gvardiol joined Man City in 2023
- Has played 120 times for the club
- Defender close to agreeing new deal
Manchester City are close to agreeing a new contract with Josko Gvardiol, which would secure his long-term future with the club.
The Croatian defender made 16 Premier League appearances this season, scoring two goals and providing two assists.
However, a broken tibia sustained in January has cut his season short, and severely reduced the 24-year-old’s playing time.
After some speculation over his future, it has now emerged that Gvardiol is on the verge of signing a new, long-term contract extension with City.
Josko Gvardiol nearing contract extension with Manchester City
According to journalist Nicolo Schira, Gvardiol is set to sign a brand new deal, keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until at least 2030.
Schira said: “Josko Gvardiol is getting closer to extending his contract with Manchester City until 2030 with the option for 2031.”
🚨 Excl. – Josko #Gvardiol is getting closer to extend his contract with #ManchesterCity until 2030 with the option for 2031. #transfers #MCFC
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) May 5, 2026
The news will be welcomed by City fans, with Gvardiol a popular figure at the club. His injury problems this season had caused major issues before the arrival of Marc Guehi.
Gvardiol will have to earn his place back
Earlier this season, City were struggling to find enough defenders to field a team. Injuries, including to Gvardiol, complete decimated Pep Guardiola’s back-line.
The situation was so severe that young Max Alleyne was even recalled from his loan to Watford in January in order to bolster the defensive ranks.
However, Guehi’s January arrival, along with his blossoming partnership with Abdukodir Khusanov, means Gvardiol will not walk back into the City team.
Depth will be crucial for City next season
As this campaign has shown, winning titles requires more than just a strong starting XI. Football is a squad game in the modern era, and building depth is vital.
Even if he does not start in City’s strongest team next season, tying Gvardiol down to a long-term deal will be a big boost.
Injuries can derail a season at any stage, so having a strong set of options to rotate through and call upon whenever needed will be vital for Guardiola, or his replacement, next season.
