Manchester City Set to Sign Defender Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig in €90million Deal
Manchester City has reached an agreement with RB Leipzig for the signing of defender Josko Gvardiol in a deal worth €90million (£77.6m, $98.6m). The 21-year-old Croatian international is expected to undergo a medical later this week before completing his move to the Premier League club. If the deal goes through, Gvardiol will join fellow countryman Mateo Kovacic as a new arrival at the Etihad Stadium this summer.
Gvardiol had an impressive season with Leipzig, making 41 appearances in all competitions as the club secured Champions League qualification by finishing third in the league. He even scored against Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie and played a crucial role in Leipzig’s DFB-Pokal win.
The young defender also showcased his talent on the international stage, particularly at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He scored in the third-place play-off against Morocco, helping Croatia claim the bronze medal. Gvardiol’s performances have caught the attention of Manchester City, who are looking to strengthen their defense ahead of the upcoming season.
City’s defense could undergo significant changes in the next season, with right-back Kyle Walker reportedly in talks over a move to Bayern Munich. Joao Cancelo, who spent the second half of last season with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, is also expected to leave, along with central defender Aymeric Laporte.
The potential signing of Gvardiol is seen as a strategic move by Manchester City. The young defender possesses all the qualities of a modern center-back, combining physicality with composure and technical ability. Standing at just under 6ft 1in (185cm), Gvardiol’s imposing build adds to his presence on the pitch. His ability to stay composed and showcase a lightness of touch sets him apart from other defenders.
However, Gvardiol still has some areas of improvement in his game. He occasionally tends to go in hard and quickly, which can be both decisive and reckless. Nevertheless, his potential and skill set make him an ideal fit for Manchester City’s style of play.
City manager Pep Guardiola has shown a preference for playing “proper” center-backs as full-backs, and Gvardiol’s versatility makes him a perfect fit for this role. With his defensive abilities and passing range, Gvardiol could become a blend of a traditional defender and an elite passer. This would allow him to slot into City’s defense seamlessly while also contributing to the team’s attacking play.
The signing of Gvardiol would further strengthen Manchester City’s squad as they aim to defend their Premier League title. The team is set to face Arsenal in the FA Community Shield before kicking off their league campaign with an away match against Burnley on August 11th.
In conclusion, Manchester City’s €90million deal for Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig is a significant move that highlights the club’s ambition to bolster their defense. Gvardiol’s impressive performances for Leipzig and Croatia, along with his physicality and technical ability, make him an exciting prospect for City. If the deal goes through, Gvardiol could become a key player in Guardiola’s squad, contributing to both their defensive solidity and attacking prowess.