Manchester City announces Josko Gvardiol with a bang

Manchester City Football Club have confirmed the signing of Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig on a long-term deal.

The Cityzens made the announcement on its official website on Saturday, August 5, 2023. Josko Gvardiol becomes the second signing of the summer transfer window ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, following the steps of his fellow Croatian international Mateo Kovacic who joined from Chelsea.

The Cityzens announced the defender in a video which saw Pep Guardiola trying to spell the player's surname, Gvardiol. He said in his first interview on City's website that he is looking forward to working with Guardiola.

"I have always dreamed of one day playing in England and to be doing so now with Manchester City – after the season they have just had – is a real honour for me. 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 this team has. To be joining City is something very special for me and my family. To have the chance to work with Pep Guardiola, too, 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 Mateo Kovacic will also be special. He’s a top footballer and I hope we can both help City achieve another successful season in 2023/24 and then beyond."

Gvardiol made 87 appearances for Leipzig during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 campaigns, scoring five goals and winning two DFB-Pokal trophies.