Gvardiol signs new five-year deal as Savinho asks to leave

Gvardiol commits to City until 2031

Josko Gvardiol has signed a new five-year contract at Manchester City, committing his future to the club through 2031 (1). The Croatian centre-back made it clear this was not a difficult decision. "This is the right club for me and my family as well. I have everything I need here and I've said it many times, I really like it here in Manchester," Gvardiol said (1). In a summer defined by change, locking down a 24-year-old defender of his calibre is a statement. Gvardiol also spoke about life under Enzo Maresca, calling the new manager "a great coach" and expressing excitement about the direction the team is heading (1).

Savinho wants out, Spurs circling

Savinho has told City he wants to leave this summer, and Tottenham are pushing hard to make it happen (2) (3) (4). Spurs have set a deadline for City to decide on a deal, with Roberto De Zerbi reportedly keen on bringing the Brazilian winger into his project (2) (4). The fee being discussed is around £60m (2). For a player who arrived with real promise, this stings, especially with a Premier League rival waiting at the door. Savinho is leaning toward the move (3) (4).

Nypan heads to Belgium on loan

Sverre Nypan is off to Lommel. The Belgian Pro League side have secured the 19-year-old Norwegian on a deal worth €15m, with City retaining a sell-on clause (5). Nypan, often compared to Martin Ødegaard for his technical profile, is expected to play regular first-team football in Belgium. "I want to express myself from box to box," he said of the move (5).

Fan reactions

The Savinho news has split the fanbase. Some see £60m for a player who has not consistently delivered as smart business, while others are frustrated at losing a young winger to a direct rival under De Zerbi. The Gvardiol extension, by contrast, has landed well, fans see it as a much-needed sign of stability in a summer of upheaval. Read the full discussion here.

Sources

  • 1. soccernews.com — Gvardiol eyes Man City success with Maresca
  • 2. football365.com — Tottenham set Man City deadline for Savinho deal as alternative winger targets lined up
  • 3. bbc.co.uk — Savinho open to leaving Man City amid Spurs interest
  • 4. vi.nl — 'Savinho volgende speler die overtuigd is van De Zerbi-project bij Spurs'
  • 5. voetbalprimeur.nl — ‘Nieuwe Ødegaard’ kiest voor nieuw avontuur: 'Wil me van box tot box uitleven'
Get the next Manchester City FC brief by email

This article went out to subscribers as a brief. Get the next one straight to your inbox, free.

Free · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime

Share this article