Manchester City Set to Make Josko Gvardiol the World’s Most Expensive Defender
Manchester City are looking to make history by signing RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol and making him the world’s most expensive defender. The German club is asking for at least 100m euros (£85.77m) for the 21-year-old Croatia defender, and City boss Pep Guardiola is a big admirer of Gvardiol.
Gvardiol’s Impressive Career
Gvardiol has had an impressive career thus far, having made 41 appearances for Leipzig last season and scoring against City in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie. He has also won 21 caps for Croatia and scored in their third-place play-off victory over Morocco in Qatar. His ability in the left central defensive position, either in a three- or four-man defence, makes him perfect for the job Guardiola wants at a time when he is facing the loss of Spain international Aymeric Laporte.
Release Clause in Excess of 110m Euros
Gvardiol has a release clause in excess of 110m euros (£94.35m), which can be triggered next summer. This means Leipzig are not willing to let him leave 12 months early for a significantly smaller amount. BBC Sport has been told contact has been made between City and Gvardiol’s camp, and if a deal is made, it could see him eclipse Harry Maguire as the world’s most expensive defender after Manchester United paid £80m for him in 2019.
City’s Recent Activity
City captain Ilkay Gundogan joined Barcelona on Monday, while the club have agreed a deal worth up to £30m with Chelsea to sign Croatia midfielder Mateo Kovacic. It seems that Guardiola is looking to strengthen his squad ahead of the upcoming season, and Gvardiol could be the perfect addition to the team.
Conclusion
Manchester City are looking to make history by signing RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol and making him the world’s most expensive defender. With Gvardiol’s impressive career thus far, it seems that Guardiola is looking to strengthen his squad ahead of the upcoming season, and Gvardiol could be the perfect addition to the team. It remains to be seen if City will be able to meet Leipzig’s asking price for Gvardiol, but if they do, he could become the world’s most expensive defender.