RB Leipzig is demanding a minimum of 100 million euros (£85.77 million) for Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol, who is a target for Manchester City. The 21-year-old centre-back, who played every minute of Croatia’s seven games at the 2022 World Cup, has caught the attention of City manager Pep Guardiola.
According to sources at Sport News Center, City has initiated contact with Gvardiol’s representatives to pursue the transfer. However, Gvardiol’s current club, RB Leipzig, has set a release clause of over 110 million euros (£94.35 million) that can only be triggered in the following summer. Consequently, Leipzig is not willing to allow him to depart a year earlier for a significantly lower fee.
Gvardiol had a successful season with Leipzig, making 41 appearances and even scoring against Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie. Despite his impressive performances, Leipzig suffered an 8-1 aggregate defeat. The defender has also represented Croatia 21 times and scored in their third-place play-off victory over Morocco in Qatar.
The left central defensive position is Gvardiol’s forte, making him an ideal candidate to fill the void left by Aymeric Laporte, who City may lose in the near future. Guardiola believes Gvardiol’s abilities suit the team’s requirements, whether playing in a three- or four-man defense. If a deal is reached, Gvardiol’s transfer fee could surpass the record set by Harry Maguire when Manchester United acquired him for £80 million in 2019.
Meanwhile, City has experienced player departures, including captain Ilkay Gundogan’s move to Barcelona and an agreement with Chelsea for the signing of Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic worth up to £30 million.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about transfer negotiations
Q: What is the transfer fee demanded by RB Leipzig for Josko Gvardiol?
A: RB Leipzig is demanding at least 100 million euros (£85.77 million) for Josko Gvardiol, the Croatian defender targeted by Manchester City.
Q: Has Manchester City made contact with Josko Gvardiol’s camp?
A: Yes, Manchester City has made contact with Josko Gvardiol’s representatives to initiate transfer negotiations.
Q: Does Josko Gvardiol have a release clause?
A: Yes, Josko Gvardiol has a release clause set at over 110 million euros (£94.35 million), which can be triggered in the following summer.
Q: How did Josko Gvardiol perform at the 2022 World Cup?
A: Josko Gvardiol played every minute of all seven games for Croatia at the 2022 World Cup and showcased his abilities as a standout defender.
Q: Can Josko Gvardiol play in both a three- and four-man defense?
A: Yes, Josko Gvardiol is known for his versatility and proficiency in playing as a left central defender in both three- and four-man defensive systems.
Q: Is Josko Gvardiol being considered as a replacement for Aymeric Laporte?
A: Yes, Josko Gvardiol is seen as a potential replacement for Aymeric Laporte, who Manchester City may lose in the near future.
Q: Could Josko Gvardiol become the most expensive defender in the world?
A: If a deal is reached, Josko Gvardiol’s transfer fee could surpass the record set by Harry Maguire when Manchester United acquired him for £80 million in 2019.
Q: Are there other player departures at Manchester City?
A: Yes, Manchester City has experienced player departures, including captain Ilkay Gundogan’s move to Barcelona and an agreement with Chelsea for the signing of Mateo Kovacic.
More about transfer negotiations
- RB Leipzig official website
- Manchester City official website
- FIFA World Cup official website
- Transfermarkt: Josko Gvardiol profile
- UEFA Champions League official website
- Ilkay Gundogan Barcelona transfer news
- Mateo Kovacic Chelsea transfer news
2 comments
contact made between city and gvardiol’s camp? transfer rumors heating up! can’t wait to see if this deal goes through. gonna be an exciting summer for city fans!
contact made between city and gvardiol’s camp? transfer rumors heating up! can’t wait to see if this deal goes through. gonna be an exciting summer for city fans!