Josko Gvardiol has been acquired by Manchester City on a five-year contract from RB Leipzig, the club is thrilled to announce.

The 21-year-old joins Mateo Kovacic, another Croatian international, as the second signing of the summer transfer window ahead of the 2023–24 season.

Similar to Kovacic, Gvardiol started his professional career at Dinamo Zagreb, a team that has produced some of the most gifted Croatian players in history.

He won two Croatian League championships, one Croatian Cup, and one Croatian Super Cup during the two seasons he spent there before transferring to RB Leipzig in Germany.

Gvardiol said he is overjoyed to have made it to the Premier League and is eager to begin playing for his new team under Pep Guardiola.

I’ve always wanted to play in England, so the fact that I get to do it with Manchester City right now, especially after the season they just had, is truly an honor.

Between the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons, Gvardiol played 87 times for the Red Bulls, making five goals and taking home two DFB-Pokal championships.

In helping Croatia reach third in the 2022 World Cup championships in Qatar, he has earned 21 caps for the country.

“Manchester City is the best team in the world, as everybody who watched them play last season knows. The fact that this team won the Triple Crown tells you everything you need to know about their caliber.

“For my family and myself, joining City is a very significant opportunity.

It will be fantastic to get the opportunity to work with Pep Guardiola as well. I am aware that I am not yet the polished product, but I have no doubt that with the best coach in football, my game will improve.

It will be amazing to team up with Mateo Kovacic. I hope that we can both work to help City have another good season in 2023–24 and beyond since he is a top football player.

Txiki Begiristain, director of football, continued, “We are thrilled to bring Josko to Manchester City.

He is a player we have closely observed, and we think he possesses an exceptional collection of qualities.

“Top clubs across Europe have been keeping an eye on him, so having him join us is fantastic news.

“Josko has so many attributes; he is the ideal center-half. He is impressive when in control of the ball, quick, competitive, aggressive, strong in the air, and has good character. He also has a strong sense of self-worth. He also has left foot, which gives us some strong alternatives at the back.

“Despite his youth, he has made rapid development in the game. Working with Pep and his colleagues here at City, we are optimistic that his upward trajectory will continue.

We are all happy to have Josko join Manchester City and we all wish him the best during his stay.