Manchester City have secured the future of their player of the season, with Josko Gvardiol agreeing a new contract that keeps him at the Etihad until the summer of 2031. The 24-year-old defender’s previous deal was due to expire in 2028, sparking interest from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, but sources have told BBC Sport that the Croatian has now committed to City long-term.
Gvardiol’s 2024-25 campaign was disrupted after he broke his leg in January, restricting him to 25 appearances in all competitions. He returned to Premier League action in May, playing 58 minutes against Crystal Palace and the final 12 minutes against Aston Villa. Despite the injury, he was voted City’s player of the season. He is now preparing for the World Cup with Croatia, who face England in their opening game on Wednesday.
“Josko Gvardiol signs new Man City deal until 2031; Brighton sign Costinha from Olympiacos for £11m.”
Meanwhile, Brighton have bolstered their defence by signing Portuguese right-back Costinha from Olympiacos on a five-year contract. The Seagulls are understood to have paid about £11m for the 26-year-old. Costinha spent the past two seasons in Greece after making 121 first-team appearances for Rio Ave in Portugal. He also played 74 times for Olympiacos, scoring 12 goals, and earned one cap for Portugal’s Under-21s in 2022.
“Costinha is a player we have followed closely for some time,” said Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler. “He has the defensive capabilities, intensity and understanding of what we value. He is also comfortable in and out of possession and will add competition at right-back.”
The two deals underline contrasting ambitions: City securing a key asset against European interest, while Brighton continue their strategic recruitment of promising talent from overseas. With Gvardiol’s new contract ending speculation, City’s defensive core remains intact; for Brighton, Costinha adds depth as they prepare for another Premier League campaign.