According to Mirror, Manchester City have made a groundbreaking transfer bid for RB Leipzig’s centre-back Josko Gvardiol, indicating Pep Guardiola’s potential change of plans to secure the talented Croatian defender.
The Sky Blues have reportedly put forward an enormous offer of €90 million (£77 million) for the 21-year-old, with personal terms already agreed upon. If the bid is accepted, it will make Gvardiol the most expensive defender in the world.
Gvardiol’s Impressive Season In the Bundesliga
Once again, Gvardiol showcased his reliability and skill at the heart of Leipzig’s defence, delivering a commendable performance throughout the last campaign at the Red Bull Arena. The Croatian talent demonstrated his offensive capabilities, netting three goals in 41 appearances across various competitions for the German club.
Within the Bundesliga, the 21-year-old displayed consistency in his defensive duties, averaging 0.8 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, and 2.3 clearances per game. Moreover, he exhibited excellent ball distribution skills from the backline, boasting an impressive pass success rate of 89.3% in Germany’s top division, according to statistics from whoscored.
Gvardiol’s current contract with Leipzig is set to expire in the summer of 2027. Therefore, if Man City wishes to secure his services at the Etihad Stadium this year, they must present a compelling offer to convince the player and his current club.
Does His Arrival At Manchester City Put Laporte’s Position In The Club At Risk?
The potential arrival of Josko Gvardiol at Man City could increase competition in the centre-back positions and potentially impact Aymeric Laporte‘s position in the squad. Laporte has experienced a decrease in playing time and struggled to make a significant impact during the previous season, eventually falling down the pecking order, which has led to reported dissatisfaction from him.
If Gvardiol joins City, it would further strengthen the centre-back options at the club, potentially creating more competition in the defensive department. Pep Guardiola would have to decide whether to sell Laporte this summer or keep him for another season to maintain the depth.
Ultimately, Laporte’s future and position in the squad would depend on various factors, such as his form, his ability to impress Guardiola, and the overall squad dynamics. It’s worth noting that squad rotations are common among top clubs such as the Mancunian giants, and Guardiola may utilise different centre-back combinations based on specific tactical considerations during the matches.
