Manchester City confident of sealing Gvardiol extension despite Real Madrid’s interest

Abdullateef Fowewe

Manchester City are close to finalising a new contract extension with defender Joško Gvardiol, with talks reportedly heading towards completion pending final sign-off.

The proposed agreement would keep the Croatian centre-back at the Etihad until June 2031 and include a significant salary increase, according to Fabrizio Romano.

City sources describe the deal as “almost agreed” and awaiting the club’s final green light.

Real Madrid have been linked with a sustained interest in Gvardiol for several weeks, but Manchester City officials are increasingly optimistic they will retain the 21-year-old, whose defensive versatility and ball-playing ability have made him a key figure in Pep Guardiola’s squad.

If finalised, the extension would strengthen City’s defensive continuity as they prepare for another challenging campaign on multiple fronts.