LONDON— Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol has joined English Premier League champions Manchester City from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig on a five-year deal, the treble winners announced.
British media said Gvardiol was signed for 90 million euros ($99 million), making the 21-year-old the second most expensive defender in history behind Harry Maguire, who was signed for 80 million pounds ($101.98 million) by Manchester United in 2019.
Gvardiol is Pep Guardiola’s second signing in this transfer window after Croatia midfielder Mateo Kovacic joined from Chelsea. City won their first Champions League title in June and also took the F.A. Cup to complete a rare treble.
“I have always dreamed of one day playing in England and to be doing so now with Manchester City – after the season they have just had – is a real honour for me,” Gvardiol said in a statement.
“Anyone who saw Manchester City play last season knows they are the best team in the world. To win the treble says everything you need to know about the quality this team has,” Gvardiol added according to Reuters.
“To have the chance to work with Pep Guardiola will be amazing. I know I am not yet the finished article and I am sure my game will progress under the best coach in football.”
Gvardiol joined Leipzig from Dinamo Zagreb in 2020 and made 87 appearances in all competitions for the Bundesliga club since his debut in 2021, helping them win their first German Cup title and reach the Europa League semi-finals.
Leipzig finished third in the Bundesliga last season. Gvardiol, who has 21 caps for Croatia and helped them finish third at the 2022 World Cup, is the latest big name to leave the club.
Elsewhere, Manchester United have signed Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund from Serie A side Atalanta on a five-year contract until 2028, the Premier League club said.
Financial details were not disclosed but British media said the 20-year-old cost 72 million pounds ($92 million).
“It is no secret that I have been a fan of this great club since I was a small boy, and I dreamed of walking out at Old Trafford as a Manchester United player,” Hojlund said.
“Once I had spoken to the manager, I knew that this environment would be perfect for my development; I am relishing the opportunity to work with one of the best coaches in the world.”
Hojlund, who previously played for FC Copenhagen and Sturm Graz, joined Atalanta at the start of the 2022-23 season and scored nine league goals in a breakout campaign.
He has also been in fine form for Denmark this year, scoring six goals in four appearances for the national team.
United needed a striker having spent the latter half of last season with Wout Weghorst often leading the line, with the Dutchman scoring just two goals in 31 games in all competitions.
Manager Erik ten Hag will hope Hojlund brings goals to Old Trafford but another key part of the Dane’s play is his ability to hold the ball up, which could create opportunities for attacking midfielders like Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount.
“Working under Erik ten Hag and his coaches will provide Rasmus with the perfect development platform,” Manchester United football director John Murtough said.
“Throughout the summer we have acted quickly and decisively to secure our primary targets early in the transfer window.
“This will ensure that Erik and his coaches have the best opportunity to prepare the squad to push for further success in the exciting campaign ahead.”
Hojlund becomes United’s third signing of this transfer window after the arrivals of Mount from Chelsea and goalkeeper Andre Onana from Inter Milan.
