Bayern Munich and Real reportedly made enquiries: Gvardiol's future decided

Croatia Training And Press Conference - FIFA World Cup 2026

Manchester City have extended centre-back Josko Gvardiol's contract, which had been due to expire in 2028, by a further three years ahead of schedule.

Manchester City announced on Tuesday lunchtime that Gvardiol's new contract runs until 2031. That ties down a key player on a long-term deal after links with other major clubs in recent months.

"As soon as I found out that City wanted to extend my contract, I immediately felt that it was what I wanted too," Gvardiol said after signing. They have "a world-class team that are young and full of potential. I am firmly convinced that we will be very successful in the coming years," the 24-year-old added, looking to the future with real optimism.

City are understood to have made the extension more appealing to Gvardiol with a substantial pay rise. There was reportedly very high-profile competition for his signature, with speculation over Bayern Munich's interest gathering pace for a time in May. In June, however, Sky then reported that Bayern had withdrawn from the race for Gvardiol, for whom they would have had to dig very deep into their pockets.

City paid a hefty €90 million transfer fee in 2023 to bring Gvardiol from RB Leipzig to England. The Croatian's high price tag also appears to have put off Real Madrid in the end, who were also said to have had Gvardiol on their radar. Jose Mourinho, the new Real coach, is said to be a big fan of the left-footer, who can play at centre-back as well as left-back. Instead of Gvardiol, Ibrahima Konate joined the Spanish capital on a free transfer.