Manchester City locked in defender Josko Gvardiol to a new deal through 2031, quelling rumours of a move to Real Madrid or Bayern Munich. The 24‑year‑old’s current contract was set to end in 2028, but club officials confirmed talks ran smoothly. Gvardiol will stay at Etihad Stadium for the next six seasons and support development ahead of the World Cup.

Gvardiol, who earned City’s player‑of‑the‑season award in 2024‑25, missed most of last campaign after a broken leg sidelined him for four months. He returned in May, featuring 58 minutes against Crystal Palace and the final 12 against Aston Villa. The extension secures a key centre‑back for the club’s title push and strengthening the defensive core ahead of next season's campaign.

With Gvardiol now secured, City can focus on building a backline that will face a World Cup‑ready Croatia in the opening Premier League clash against England. The contract, signed before the squad’s international duties, underlines the club’s commitment to long‑term stability at Etihad and to project confidence among fans who await continued domination in European competition this and the coming.