Manchester City confident of Joško Gvardiol contract breakthrough

Manchester City are reportedly increasingly confident of securing Joško Gvardiol's long-term future, with fresh reports suggesting there is little doubt the defender will sign a new contract despite continued interest from Real Madrid.

The Croatia international remains one of the most highly-rated defenders in European football and has attracted attention from several elite clubs, but Manchester City appear determined to build their future around him.

With Hugo Viana leading renewal discussions, optimism is growing that an agreement will soon be reached.

Gvardiol has established himself as one of City's most important players since arriving from RB Leipzig in a deal worth around €90m in 2023.

His ability to operate both at centre-back and left-back has made him a crucial figure, and club officials reportedly view him as a cornerstone of their long-term project.

That stance has become increasingly important following reports linking Real Madrid with a summer move.

The Spanish giants are believed to admire the 24-year-old, with suggestions that new manager José Mourinho views him as a priority defensive target.

However, Manchester City have little interest in entertaining offers.

Reports from Croatia suggest the idea of selling Gvardiol for less than the fee originally paid is viewed internally as unrealistic.

One of the major developments is the work being carried out behind the scenes by sporting director Hugo Viana.

The Portuguese executive is reportedly pushing hard to finalise a contract extension that would further strengthen Manchester City's position.

According to reports, the proposed agreement would extend Gvardiol's stay until at least 2032 while also rewarding him with a significant salary increase.

The club have consistently moved quickly to secure long-term agreements with players considered central to future plans. Gvardiol appears firmly in that category.

The expectation from Croatia is that an extension will be completed before the start of next season.

While Real Madrid's admiration is well documented, reports suggest both player and club believe remaining at the Etihad is the best option at this stage of his career.

Gvardiol is still viewed as a player with significant room for growth despite already performing at the highest level.

There is a belief that continuing his development in England under incoming manager Enzo Maresca offers the strongest pathway for the next phase of his career.

Any potential move to clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona or Bayern Munich is seen as something that could be considered further down the line rather than immediately.

That perspective appears to align closely with Manchester City's own vision.

Attention now turns to the final stages of negotiations between Manchester City and Gvardiol's representatives. Reports suggest confidence is high on all sides, making an agreement appear increasingly likely.

Should a new contract be completed, it would represent another major statement from City as they prepare for a new era under Enzo Maresca. It would also significantly reduce hopes elsewhere that one of Europe's best young defenders could become available in the near future.

Would Joško Gvardiol be right to commit his long-term future to Manchester City, or should he eventually consider a move to Real Madrid later in his career?