Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol has fuelled speculation about his long-term future at the club, following Pep Guardiola's departure after a decade in charge at the Etihad Stadium.

The 23-year-old Croatian addressed transfer rumours head-on, initially offering reassurance to City supporters. "We've all seen various rumours coming from every direction. I'm happy at Man City, I have everything I need," Gvardiol said.

A telling caveat

It was his final words on the matter, however, that are likely to unsettle the club's fanbase. Asked about what comes next, Gvardiol offered a measured — but telling — response: "Before the injury I played every match, almost full minutes. After the World Cup, we'll see."

The phrase "we'll see" stops well short of a commitment to remain at the Etihad, and comes at a particularly sensitive moment for Manchester City as they search for a manager to succeed Guardiola.

A disrupted season

Gvardiol has made 122 appearances for Manchester City since joining in 2023, establishing himself as one of the most highly-rated defenders in Europe. His 2025/26 campaign, though, was significantly disrupted by injury, limiting him to 18 Premier League appearances and 25 outings across all competitions during Guardiola's final season.

The defender insists his immediate priority is returning to the form he showed before that setback. Yet his reluctance to commit beyond the World Cup raises questions about whether the incoming manager's identity will influence his decision.

Gvardiol remains under contract at Manchester City until the summer of 2028. Losing a player of his calibre would represent a significant obstacle for whoever takes the reins at the club.