Ukraine midfielder Oleksandr Zinchenko has signed a three year contract extension to keep him at Manchester City until the summer of 2024.
The popular international had established himself as a regular in Pep Guardiola’s side as City became the first side to win all four major English trophies in a single season last season.
Zinchenko played 29 games in all competitions last term, scoring one goal, as he filled in at left back following another injury to Benjamin Mendy.
As well as becoming a ‘Centurion’ in the 2017/18 season when City won the Premier League with a record 100 points, he became one of City’s ‘Formidables’ last season after gaining Guardiola’s trust.
He already holds a Premier League record having won all 22 Premier League games he has played in for City since the start of the 2017/18 season.
Things could have been very different for the Ukraine midfielder, who is often jokingly compared to Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne in looks.
Having signed for around £1.7m from Russian side FC Ufa in 2016, he spent an unremarkable year on loan at PSV Eindhoven in the 2016/17 season.
Oleksandr Zinchenko stayed to fight for his place at Manchester City – and his persistence paid off
City accepted a £16m offer from Wolves for his transfer in 2017 but the midfielder decided to stay and fight for his place in the multi-talented City side.
It was a decision that was to change his life and after injuries to Mendy and Fabian Delph forced City into a defensive crisis during the 2017/18 season – and Zinchenko took his chance as an emergency left back.
He had even more chances last season with Mendy and Delph injured again but by this time was trusted to play in Guardiola’s system.
Zinchenko isn’t normally seen as a left back but has shown the ability and willingness to play there under Guardiola who has been so impressed by the talent and application of the midfielder that he hasn’t seen fit to chase a big name left back in the transfer market.
“It’s difficult to express how happy I am to sign this deal,” Zinchenko said.
“This Club offers players everything they need to improve and develop, so being here for five more years is an honour.
“This season shows we are built for success. It was amazing to be involved in such an historic campaign and it’s one I’ll never forget.
“But I am now completely focused on the coming years and I know more good times are around the corner.”
Manchester City Director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: “Zinchenko has shown over the past two seasons what a superb talent he is.
“Not only does he have a wonderful first touch and left-foot, he is a player completely focused on becoming the best footballer he can be.
“His attitude, personality and willingness to learn under Pep Guardiola has been outstanding and his improvement has been excellent.
“Young, hungry and already an established internatonal, he fits perfectly into our long-term strategy.
“We are delighted he wants to stay here.”