LONDON: Manchester City have wrapped up the purchase of Josko Gvardiol from ‘Premier League nursery club’ RB Leipzig for £77m.

The fee makes the 21-year-old the second most expensive defender of all time. Four years ago Harry Maguire cost Manchester United for £80m from Leicester.

Gvardiol, who spent two years in the Bundesliga after starting his career with Dinamo Zagreb, said: “I have always dreamed of one day playing in England. To be doing so now with Manchester City – after the season they have just had – is a real honour.

“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 have.

“To be joining City is something very special for me and my family. 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 impressed at last year’s World Cup in Qatar where Croatia finished third.

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