City want Gvardiol secured early
Manchester City are in talks with Josko Gvardiol and his agent Marjan Sisic over a new long-term contract, with the Croatian defender viewed as a major part of the club’s future, as Sky Sports reported.
Gvardiol’s current deal already runs until 30 June 2028, so this is not a late-stage contract issue. City are moving from a position of control. The aim is to reward his development, protect his value and keep one of Europe’s best young defenders away from future market noise.
The 24-year-old joined from RB Leipzig in 2023 for around €90m and quickly became a key tactical piece. His value to City is not only as a centre-back. He can also play at left-back, step into build-up phases and give Pep Guardiola different defensive structures depending on the opponent.
Injury has not changed City’s plan
The talks are taking place while Gvardiol continues his recovery from a fractured tibia suffered in January against Chelsea. He required surgery and has been out for several months, making his rehabilitation one of the most important short-term issues around the player.
City’s approach shows how highly they still rate him. Instead of waiting until he is fully back on the pitch, the club are working on the bigger contract picture now.
Before the injury, Gvardiol had made 23 appearances this season across competitions, with two goals and five assists. Those numbers underline his attacking contribution from defence, but his profile is bigger than statistics. Left-footed defenders with Premier League experience, Champions League level and World Cup pedigree are rare.
Gvardiol posted on Instagram that he is back in training, giving him hopes before the World Cup.
The contract structure is still developing
Reports around the possible new deal are not completely aligned. Some market sources have suggested an extension until 2030 with an option for 2031. Croatian reporting has pointed toward a richer and longer proposal that could run as far as 2033.
The exact end date is still open, but the direction is clear. Manchester City want Gvardiol tied down before outside interest becomes more serious.
Real Madrid have followed the player for years, while Barcelona have also been mentioned in the background. A transfer this summer looks difficult because of his contract, price and injury recovery, but City know that elite Spanish clubs rarely disappear completely when they admire a player of this level.
Marjan Sisic leads the agency file
Gvardiol is represented by Marjan Sisic Players Agency, the Zagreb-based agency led by licensed intermediary Marjan Sisic.
This is the agency’s most important international file. FootballAgencies lists Gvardiol as the leading name on a roster built around Croatian and Balkan talent, with client activity extending into the Premier League, Scotland and Central Europe.
The 2023 RB Leipzig-to-Manchester City transfer was already a landmark deal for the agency. A new long-term contract at City would add a major renewal to that track record and further establish Sisic around one of the most valuable Croatian players of this generation.
The negotiation is about position
For Gvardiol’s camp, this is not only a salary conversation. It is about long-term status inside Manchester City’s project.
The player is still young, already proven at elite level and contracted for two more years. That gives Marjan Sisic a strong negotiating base, even with the injury recovery ongoing.
For City, the deal would be a statement of trust. For the agency, it would be another high-level contract built around timing, leverage and player protection. If completed, Gvardiol’s renewal would keep one of Europe’s most valuable defensive profiles firmly inside Manchester City’s next cycle.
