Manchester City have completed the acquisition of Croatian centre-back Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig on a five-year contract for 90 million euros (£77 million).
He is the second most expensive defender in history, after only Harry Maguire, who joined Manchester United from Leicester City for £80 million in 2019.
Gvardiol, 21, has impressed in Leipzig in his two seasons since signing from Dynamo Zagreb in July 2021.
“I’ve always wanted to play in England,” he explained.
“To be doing so now with Manchester City, especially after their recent season, is a true honor for me.”
Gvardiol, who has 21 Croatian caps and helped his country finish third at the 2022 World Cup and runners-up to Spain in this year’s Nations League, will wear the number 24 shirt.
“Anyone who watched Manchester City play last season understands they are the best team in the world.” “Winning the treble tells you everything you need to know about the caliber of this team,” he added.
“Being a part of City is something very special for me and my family.” Working with Pep Guardiola will be a dream come true. I know I’m not quite there yet, but I’m confident my game will improve under the best coach in football.
“It will also be special to work with [Croatia midfielder] Mateo Kovacic.”
In June, City paid Chelsea £25 million for Kovacic.
Gvardiol also stated that he would prefer to play alongside, rather than against, City’s prolific attacker Erling Haaland.
“Luckily, I’m on his side now, and I don’t have to take care of him anymore,” he stated.
Gvardiol won back-to-back titles with Zagreb, capping his career with a league and cup double before joining the Bundesliga.
In his two seasons with RB Leipzig, he helped them win the German Cup and qualify for the Champions League twice.
“He is a player we have been watching closely, and we believe he has a fantastic set of attributes.” Top clubs from all around Europe have been watching him, so bringing him here is fantastic news for us,” City director of football Txiki Begiristain said.
“Josko has so many qualities – everything you look for in a center-half.” He is quick, competitive, combative, strong in the air, impressive in possession of the ball, has a positive attitude, and a decent personality. He’s also left-footed, which gives us some alternatives in the back.”
Gvardiol was a member of the Leipzig team that advanced to the Europa League semi-finals in 2021-22, when they were defeated 3-2 by Rangers.
In 2021-22, his Leipzig side placed third in a Champions League group won by City, and they were defeated 8-1 over two legs by City in the competition’s round of 16 last season, including a 7-0 defeat at Etihad Stadium.
“Everyone last season wanted to avoid City as a team,” Gvardiol explained.
“We knew it was going to be difficult. The atmosphere and the way they play at home are incredible. Also, the composure on the ball was on another level.”
