Manchester City confident of retaining Gvardiol despite €90m valuation

Manchester City officials remain confident that defender Josko Gvardiol will sign a new contract, dismissing reports suggesting he wishes to leave the club following the departure of manager Pep Guardiola. The club has tabled a lucrative long-term offer and views Gvardiol as a cornerstone of incoming manager Enzo Maresca’s defensive plans for the 2026-27 season.

Reports from Croatia have claimed the 24-year-old wants to exit the Etihad Stadium due to Guardiola’s exit, but City view this as resolvable through further dialogue. Gvardiol has attracted interest from Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid ahead of the transfer window opening, with the club holding firm on a minimum valuation of €90 million should they be forced to sell.

Director of Football Hugo Viana has prepared a more financially generous offer for the Croatia international in response to the speculation. Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News reported that City remains confident an agreement can be reached, pushing back on suggestions that an exit is inevitable. The club is determined to retain both Gvardiol and Ruben Dias regardless of external interest, unwilling to show weakness in the wake of Guardiola’s departure.

Gvardiol previously indicated he would assess his future after the FIFA World Cup, where Croatia is participating in North America. He stated he was happy at City but wanted to evaluate his options once the tournament concluded. The club holds two years remaining on his existing contract, providing them with leverage in negotiations.

Direct talks between Gvardiol, Viana, and Maresca are expected to take place after the FIFA World Cup. The incoming manager is keen to outline the player’s specific role in his plans for the new season. These conversations will be pivotal in determining whether the defender commits his future to the club or pushes for a move to one of the elite sides tracking him across Europe.