Gvardiol set to sign new Man City deal until 2031, snubbing Real Madrid interest

Josko Gvardiol is set to commit his future to Manchester City by signing a new contract through June 2031, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has confirmed, ending speculation linking the Croatian defender with a move to Real Madrid or Barcelona.

Romano posted on X that the deal will be “sealed soon” with “formal steps to follow”, while Croatian outlet Sportske Novosti added there is now “no doubt” about the renewal, with City sporting director Hugo Viana instrumental in pushing the agreement over the line.

Gvardiol, 24, joined City for around £77 million and still had two years remaining on his existing contract. Reports had suggested his future was uncertain following Pep Guardiola’s departure at the end of last season, with Barcelona said to have submitted an offer and Real Madrid reportedly willing to pay in the region of £60–69 million to secure his signature.

Despite that level of interest from two of Europe’s biggest clubs, the defender appears to have opted for continuity in Manchester. City, entering what many expect to be a transitional period under new management, will be keen to retain experienced defensive leaders, and Gvardiol has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the world during his time at the Etihad.

The new deal, if completed as Romano suggests, would keep Gvardiol at City until he is 30, covering what should be the peak years of his career. It represents a significant statement of intent from the club as they look to rebuild around a core of elite players following Guardiola’s exit.