Sky Sports: Man City in talks with defender over new contract

Since arriving from RB Leipzig in 2023, the 24-year-old has made 120 appearances, scoring 13 goals and providing 10 assists. Those are remarkable numbers for a defender, particularly one who has alternated between centre-back and left-back with such comfort.

Versatility Key for Guardiola

Gvardiol’s ability to drift forward from deep positions has given City another attacking dimension. Few defenders in Europe combine physicality, composure and technical quality quite so naturally. His absence last season exposed how important he had become.

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This feels like smart business at exactly the right moment. There will always be concern around a serious injury, but supporters know what Gvardiol brings when fully fit. He already looks like a player capable of anchoring the defence for the next decade.

Fans have embraced his aggression on the ball and his willingness to take responsibility in difficult moments. There is also a sense that Guardiola trusts him more than most defenders City have signed in recent years. That trust matters.

Supporters will also recognise the wider message behind these negotiations. City are planning ahead again. With experienced figures gradually moving towards the latter stages of their careers, tying down elite players in their mid-20s is essential.

There is excitement about what a fully recovered Gvardiol could still become. His numbers already stand out for a defender, but there remains room for growth in leadership and consistency. If he returns strongly from injury, many City fans will believe the club have secured one of Europe’s premier defenders before his peak years truly arrive.