Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol from Germany side RB Liepzig.
The defender joins the Citizens on a five-year deal and becomes the club’s second summer addition after Mateo Kovacic.
“Manchester City are delighted to confirm the signing of Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig on a five-year deal.” Read a statement on the club’s website.
Gvardiol joins City after having spent two season at RB Liepzig. He appeared in 87 games across two campaigns for the German side, scoring five goals and winning two DFB Pokal trophies.
Gvardiol is capped 21 times with the Croatian national team. He was part of the team that finished in third place at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Speaking on his move to the Premier League, Gvardiol says it’s the move he has always dreamed of for the whole of his time.
“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.
“To be linking up with Mateo Kovacic will also be special. He’s a top footballer and I hope we can both help City achieve another successful season in 2023/24 and then beyond.”
With the arrival of Gvardiol, Pep Guardiola now has five central defenders at his disposal but according to rumors, he is expected to let go of Aymeric Laporte.
On Sunday, City will play Arsenal in the English Premier League curtain-raiser match, the Community Shield at Wembley Stadium.
