According to a report from Manchester Evening News, Manchester City continue to prioritise the acquisition of Josko Gvardiol during the summer transfer window and are actively working towards finalising a deal. Manager Pep Guardiola aims to bolster his squad for the upcoming season by adding the 21-year-old defender.
Despite engaging in advanced talks, the Sky Blues are not prepared to meet RB Leipzig’s valuation for Gvardiol, which stands at £85 million. Additionally, the German outfit are seeking additional performance-related payments.
Gvardiol’s Impressive Campaign In the Bundesliga
Once again, Gvardiol showcased his reliability and skill at the heart of Leipzig’s defence last season, delivering a commendable performance throughout the campaign at the Red Bull Arena. The Croatian talent has shown 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 and a rich run of form, averaging 0.8 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, and 2.3 clearances per game. Moreover, he has 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.
What Will He Bring To Manchester City?
Gvardiol possesses commendable tackling abilities, swiftly identifying danger and effectively regaining possession for his team on the defensive end. He demonstrates confidence in forcefully clearing the ball when necessary and excels in playing out from the back.
Standing at 1.85m, the talented Croatian displays strength in aerial duels, adding a strong presence in the game. Gvardiol’s skill set makes him a promising prospect under the expert guidance of Pep Guardiola at Man City.
Despite already having nine senior defenders in their ranks, City could potentially see the departures of Joao Cancelo, Aymeric Laporte, and Kyle Walker. Additionally, 18-year-old Rico Lewis is still in the developmental phase of his career, indicating a need for defensive reinforcements.
With his arrival, it is anticipated that Gvardiol will inject greater tenacity and resilience into the club’s defence, contributing to their pursuit of defending their titles in the near future. At 21, Gvardiol’s potential for improvement is substantial, making him an excellent signing for Manchester City during this summer transfer window. However, only time will reveal how smoothly he adapts to life at the Etihad Stadium and realises his full potential.
