Manchester City have completed the signing of Croatian centre-back Josko Gvardiol who is regarded as the most promising defender in the world.
The reigning Premier League champions paid German Bundesliga club RB Leipzig the sum of £77 million for the services of Josko Gvardiol.
After a successful medical examination on Friday, Gvardiol put pen to paper for a 5-year deal that will keep him at Manchester City until June 30, 2028.
The 21-year-old Croatia international has chosen to wear jersey number 24 at Manchester City.
Based on this move, Gvardiol is now the second most expensive defender in history behind Harry Maguire, who cost Manchester United £80 million to move from Leicester City to the Old Trafford club in 2019.
After completing his move to Manchester City, Josko Gvardiol said, “I have always dreamed of one day playing in England.
“To be doing so now with Manchester City – after the season they have just had – is a real honour for me.”
He added, “Anyone who saw Manchester City play last season knows they are the best team in the world. To win the treble says everything you need to know about the quality of this team.
“To be joining City is something very special for me and my family. To have the chance to work with Pep Guardiola will be amazing. I know I am not yet the finished article, and I am sure my game will progress under the best coach in football.
“To be linking up with [Croatia midfielder] Mateo Kovacic will also be special.”
In July 2021, Josko Gvardiol moved from Dynamo Zagreb to Leipzig, where he established himself as one of the hottest defenders in the world after two seasons in Germany.
Gvardiol who has played 21 times for Croatia’s national team helped his country to finish third at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and second to Spain in this year’s Nations League.
