Josko Gvardiol's five-year deal with Manchester City was officially announced on Saturday. Following in the footsteps of fellow Croatian international Mateo Kovacic, the 21-year-old became the club's second acquisition of the summer transfer window ahead of the 2023–24 season.

Gvardiol, like Kovacic, began his professional career with Dinamo Zagreb, a breeding ground for some of Croatia's most gifted players. Before joining RB Leipzig in Germany, he won two Croatian League championships, one Croatian Cup, and one Croatian Super Cup in two seasons in his hometown. In 2021–22 and 2022–23, gvardiol played in 87 games for the red bulls, notching five goals and two dfb–pokal championships.

He has 21 caps for Croatia, helping them finish third in the 2022 World Cup tournament in Qatar.

Gvardiol is thrilled to be playing in the top league and is eager to begin his career under new coach Pep Guardiola.

"I've always wanted to play in England, and to be doing so now with Manchester City, especially after the season they've had, is a real honor for me," Gvardiol said. "Manchester City is the best team in the world, as anyone who watched them play last season knows." The fact that this squad won the treble reveals all about their quality. Joining the city is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me and my family. It will be an honor to work with Pep Guardiola as well. I know I'm not quite there yet, but I'm confident my game will improve under the finest coach in football.

"Working with Mateo Kovacic will also be special because he's a fantastic footballer, and I hope we can both help City have another successful season in 2023/24 and beyond."

Despite being young, he has made fast development in the game - Txiki Begiristain

Txiki Begiristain, director of football, continued, "We are thrilled to bring Josko to Manchester City. We've been keeping a close eye on him and think he possesses a great set of abilities. Top teams in Europe have been keeping an eye on him, so his arrival is good news for us.Josko possesses so many positive traits—everything a center-half should have. 

He has a great attitude, is fast, aggressive, competitive, strong in the air, and exceptional when he has the ball in his control. He also has left foot, which gives us some strong alternatives at the back. "Despite being young, he has made fast development in the game. Working with Pep and his team, we are convinced that his upward trajectory will continue here at City."

">