Gvardiol signs long-term Manchester City deal to end Real Madrid interest

Josko Gvardiol has signed a new Manchester City contract running until the summer of 2031, in a move widely seen as shutting down interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Real Madrid.

Manchester City confirmed on Tuesday that the Croatia defender, 24, has agreed an extension which significantly improves his salary and commits him to the Premier League champions for the long term.

Reports in Croatia in recent days had indicated that City and Gvardiol were close to an agreement, with Sportske novosti revealing that talks over a renewal had progressed positively and that an announcement was imminent.

Those reports said City’s decision to press ahead with a new deal was driven by the high level of performances Gvardiol has delivered since joining the club, convincing the hierarchy to secure his future at Etihad Stadium well beyond the length of his previous contract.

According to the same Croatian outlet, the terms of the extension are designed not only to reward the player but also to send “a clear message” to clubs monitoring his situation that City have no intention of entertaining offers for him in upcoming transfer windows.

Real Madrid interest rebuffed

Sportske novosti reported that Real Madrid were among the clubs following Gvardiol closely and considering him as a potential long-term option in central defence.

The Spanish club had been keeping track of his development and, according to the Croatian newspaper, had placed him on a shortlist of future defensive targets.

However, Manchester City’s move to tie Gvardiol down until 2031 is intended to close the door on any such approaches, reinforcing their stance that he is a central part of their plans for the coming years.

The new agreement is being interpreted in Croatia and England as City’s response to rising interest from Europe’s elite, aiming to ensure that any attempt to lure him away becomes significantly more difficult.

Key figure in City’s defence

Gvardiol has established himself as one of Europe’s leading defenders in recent seasons, a status that has attracted attention from several top clubs across the continent.

Since joining Manchester City, he has made 122 appearances in all competitions, scoring 13 goals and providing 10 assists – an impressive attacking contribution for a defender and further evidence of his importance to the team’s build-up play.

His progress at club level has been mirrored by his growing influence with Croatia, enhancing his reputation as one of the standout defenders of his generation.

By securing Gvardiol on a long-term contract that runs until 2031, Manchester City have underlined their intention to build around him, while simultaneously blocking any immediate prospect of a high-profile transfer battle for his signature.