Revealed: Josko Gvardiol viewed as one of three ‘central pillars’ by Manchester City

Revealed: Josko Gvardiol viewed as one of three ‘central pillars’ by Manchester City Josko Gvardiol was reportedly assured of his central importance to Manchester City during discussions over his new contract. The Athletic’s Sam Lee claims Gvardiol is viewed as one of three “central pillars” of Enzo Maresca’s squad, alongside Phil Foden and Erling Haaland. The revelation offers fresh insight into why City moved so decisively to tie Gvardiol down until 2031 despite interest from Real Madrid. Manchester City view Josko Gvardiol as one of three central pillars within their first-team squad, according to a new insider report. The latest insight arrives as Gvardiol’s new Manchester City contract was officially confirmed by the club, following weeks in which the defender had been strongly linked with a move to several European giants including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich . City’s willingness to extend by three years – taking him through to 2031 – has been seen as a clear statement of intent in terms of future-proofing, but the specifics of what convinced Gvardiol to commit his long-term future to the club had remained somewhat unknown. That picture has become clearer with the suggestion that Gvardiol’s importance was spelled out to him directly during negotiations, placing him in the same bracket as Phil Foden and Erling Haaland – two players already signed up to 2030 and 2034 respectively. Man City make assurances to Gvardiol in contract talks Now, according to The Athletic’s Sam Lee , Josko Gvardiol was assured of his place as one of the most important players in the Manchester City squad during conversations with the club over a new contract. It is claimed that those within Manchester City consider the Croatian international to be one of three central pillars of Enzo Maresca’s first-team playing squad alongside Phil Foden and Erling Haaland – contracted until 2030 and 2034 respectively. Maresca’s new-look Man City spine takes shape Identifying a defender as one of three “central pillars” suggests defensive solidity and Gvardiol’s versatility across both full-back and centre-back roles are being viewed as central to Enzo Maresca’s plans. It also arrives at a time when the club has moved on from senior defensive figures like John Stones and Nathan Ake , reinforcing the sense that Josko Gvardiol is now viewed as a long-term foundation rather than an option among several. Elsewhere on the contractual front, Rodri’s future remains unresolved despite the offer of a lucrative long-term deal beyond 2027, and Real Madrid continue to target a blockbuster summer move in excess of €50 million.