RB Leipzig’s sporting director, Max Eberl, has confirmed that defender Josko Gvardiol is eager to join Manchester City, and discussions are underway between the two clubs for a potential €100m (£86m) transfer deal this summer.
Gvardiol, a 21-year-old highly regarded as one of the most promising defensive talents globally, has caught the attention of Pep Guardiola, the manager of the Citizens, as they prepare for the upcoming 2023-24 season.
In the previous season, Gvardiol made 41 appearances in various competitions for Leipzig, contributing to their consecutive DFB-Pokal triumph and securing a spot in the next edition of the Champions League through a third-place finish in the Bundesliga. The Croatian international also had an impressive performance for his national team at the 2022 World Cup, featuring in all seven matches, including scoring a goal in the third-place playoff against Morocco.
Just over a year ago, Gvardiol extended his contract with Leipzig until June 2027, giving the German club a strong position to set a high asking price for their prized defender. Although Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United have all shown interest in the young talent in the past, Gvardiol expressed his desire to play in the Premier League earlier this year, which seems to have aligned perfectly with Manchester City’s pursuit.
While other English clubs have shifted their focus to alternative targets, Man City has intensified their pursuit of Gvardiol, making them the leading contenders to secure his signature. The player has reportedly agreed on personal terms with the Citizens, and now both clubs are engaged in negotiations for a deal that would make him the most expensive defender in history.
Confirming the talks, Leipzig’s Eberl stated, “Gvardiol and his agents have expressed their desire to move to Manchester City. We are in discussions with City. Yes, for €100m plus bonuses, Gvardiol will end up under Pep’s capable guidance. The value of the deal would make Gvardiol the costliest defender ever. However, it might take a few more days.”
If the deal goes through, Gvardiol’s move to the Etihad Stadium would surpass the £80m record set by Manchester United’s acquisition of Harry Maguire in 2019. Leipzig, who recently completed the £60m transfer of Dominik Szoboszlai to Liverpool, had inserted a €110m (£94.4m) release clause into Gvardiol’s contract last year, but that clause won’t become active until 2024. Consequently, they seem open to negotiating a slightly lower fee with Manchester City.
Guardiola already has several options for central defense, but the potential arrival of Gvardiol could prompt the departure of fellow left-footed defender Aymeric Laporte, who saw limited playing time last season and is rumored to be seeking new opportunities.
Meanwhile, Man City has already secured the signing of Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea and may consider recruiting another midfielder. Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong has emerged as a potential target after the Catalan club withdrew from the race to sign Declan Rice, who is set to join Arsenal.