EPL: Manchester City complete £77.6m signing of Josko Gvardiol

Manchester City have finalised the signing of Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig on a five-year deal.

The 21-year-old completed his medical with City on Friday afternoon after the Premier League champions agreed to the deal with the German club.

Announcing the arrival of Josko Gvardiol who will wear the No 24 shirt at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City said in a statement;

“Manchester City are delighted to confirm the signing of Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig on a five-year deal.

“The 21-year-old becomes the second signing of the summer transfer window ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, following in the footsteps of fellow Croatian international Mateo Kovacic.”

Gvardiol has spent the last two seasons at Leipzig, making 87 appearances in all competitions. He was key to Croatia’s run to the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar at the end of last year.

The Speaking to Manchester United website, 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.”

Gvardiol’s arrival bolsters a City backline that could yet be hit by the departure of Bayern Munich target Kyle Walker, although manager Pep Guardiola insisted on Friday, August 4, that he will “do everything” to keep Walker at the club.