As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City have agreed personal terms with RB Leipzig’s Joško Gvardiol.
However, while the Croatian centre-back has agreed to join the European champions, negotiations have not begun between Leipzig and City. It is believed that Die Roten Bullen will demand €100m for Gvardiol as they aim to make him the most expensive defender.
The 21-year-old signed a new contract with the Saxony-based side last summer after interest from fellow English side Chelsea, until 2027. The only clause in Gvardiol’s contract will become active in 2024 where he would be able to depart for a fixed €110m, however, Pep Guardiola wants to sign the Croatian this summer to help bolster his treble-winning side.
Since Gvardiol joined Leipzig in 2021 for €19m he has featured 87 times for the Saxony club while collecting 28 clean sheets. He has also been able to help the side to their first two major titles becoming back-to-back DFB-Pokal winners over the last two campaigns.
Nevertheless, Leipzig are hoping to keep hold of their talented defender in hopes of pushing further in the league next season, as Die Roten Bullen finished just five points away from champions Bayern Munich last term. Konrad Laimer and Christopher Nkunku are the notable departures so far this summer for Leipzig, while Dominik Szoboszlai is also rumoured with a move away which means that if Gvardiol departs too it could be a detrimental summer for Marco Rose.
GGFN | Will Shopland
