Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol has expressed his desire to move to Manchester City this summer, according to RB Leipzig sports director Max Eberl. The 21-year-old center-back has attracted significant interest from the reigning Premier League champions, although no official bid has been made yet.
Eberl revealed that Gvardiol and his representatives have informed RB Leipzig about their intention to transfer to Manchester City. While discussions are still ongoing between the club and Gvardiol, Eberl refused to provide further details at this stage.
Sources suggest that Gvardiol’s potential signing could cost Manchester City up to £86 million, which would make him the most expensive defender in football history. Despite the hefty price tag, Manchester City seems keen to secure the rising Croatian star’s services.
Last season, Gvardiol played a pivotal role in helping RB Leipzig secure a third-place finish in the Bundesliga and win the German Cup. On the international stage, he contributed to Croatia’s journey to the 2022 World Cup semifinals in Qatar.
Unfortunately for Gvardiol, his encounter with Manchester City in the Champions League last season did not go as planned. The English club dominated the tie, defeating RB Leipzig 8-1 on aggregate, with a 7-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium following a 1-1 draw in Germany.
Gvardiol would be the latest high-profile departure from RB Leipzig, following the exits of Konrad Laimer, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Christopher Nkunku earlier this summer. Nkunku, a French forward, joined Chelsea, Szoboszlai, a Hungarian midfielder, signed for Liverpool, and Laimer joined Bayern Munich.
As Gvardiol’s potential move develops, it remains to be seen whether Manchester City will make an official bid to secure his services. However, given their interest and Gvardiol’s desire for the transfer, it seems likely that negotiations will continue in the coming weeks.
The Croatian defender’s arrival would further strengthen Manchester City’s defensive options and provide competition for established center-backs such as Ruben Dias and John Stones. Gvardiol’s youthful energy and impressive performances have caught the attention of several top clubs, and a move to the Premier League champions could be the next step in his promising career.
While Gvardiol’s desire to join Manchester City is apparent, the final decision rests with RB Leipzig. The German club will weigh their options and consider the financial aspects of the potential transfer, as they aim to secure a deal that benefits all parties involved.
As the discussions progress, football fans and pundits eagerly await further updates on Josko Gvardiol’s future. If he does make the switch to Manchester City, it could prove to be a significant move for both the player and the club, shaping their respective fortunes in the seasons to come.
