Josko Gvardiol Set to Make History with Move to Manchester City
Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol has informed RB Leipzig of his desire to move to Manchester City, according to the German club’s sports director Max Eberl. Talks between the clubs are currently underway, and the 21-year-old centre-back could become the most expensive defender in football history if the deal goes through.
RB Leipzig’s Losses
Gvardiol helped Croatia reach the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, while Leipzig finished third in the Bundesliga and won the German Cup last season. However, they were knocked out of the Champions League by City 8-1 on aggregate, following a 1-1 draw in Germany and a 7-0 defeat at Etihad Stadium.
If Gvardiol leaves, he would become the latest high-profile player to depart from Leipzig this summer following the exits of Christopher Nkunku, Dominik Szoboszlai and Konrad Laimer. France forward Nkunku has joined Chelsea, Hungary midfielder Szoboszlai has been signed by Liverpool, and Laimer has left for domestic rivals for Bayern Munich.
Max Eberl’s Response
Max Eberl has acknowledged the disappointment and concern of Leipzig fans, but he has promised that the club will still have a good and exciting team. He said: “I can understand the disappointment and concern of the fans. No club and no coach in this world wants to lose players of this calibre. But we have been prepared for this and I can promise that we will have once more a good and exciting team.”
Cost of Transfer
Reports suggest Gvardiol could cost in the region of £86m, which would make him the most expensive defender in football history. BBC Sport understands City have yet to make a bid.
Conclusion
The transfer of Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig to Manchester City is still being discussed between the two clubs, and if it goes through, it will make Gvardiol the most expensive defender in football history. Although Leipzig fans are disappointed about the potential loss of their star player, Max Eberl has promised that they will still have an exciting team.