Josko Gvardiol, a target for Barcelona and Real Madrid, wants to join Manchester City when he leaves RB Leipzig.
According to a report by French outlet Media Foot, Josko Gvardiol has taken a decisive call on his future. The Croatian defender wants to join Manchester City when he leaves RB Leipzig. He has also been a target for Barcelona and Real Madrid, among other European bigwigs.
Josko Gvardiol has established himself as one of the best young defenders in the world in the last twelve months. The 20-year-old saw his stock skyrocket after his first season with RB Leipzig. And he has enjoyed the rise to superstardom following a splendid FIFA World Cup 2022 campaign with Croatia.
The Croat has turned out 65 times for RB Leipzig thus far and has been their undisputed first-choice centre-back. But Gvardiol’s long-term future at the club level is away from Germany. And clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Manchester City have shown an interest in the young defender.
For Barcelona, Gvardiol might be a long-term successor to Gerard Pique. More importantly, the 20-year-old will add another layer to the Catalan club’s gameplay, as Xavi Hernandez does not have a left-footed centre-back at his disposal. So the interest from Barcelona makes sense. But the Blaugrana will unlikely be able to afford his eye-watering price tag.
But money is not an issue for Real Madrid. And recent reports have suggested that the Merengues are the favourites to sign the 20-year-old centre-back. With Nacho and Jesus Vallejo facing uncertain futures at the Santiago Bernabeu, Gvardiol is a viable target for Real Madrid.
But Barcelona and Real Madrid face defeat in the race to sign Gvardiol. That is because the RB Leipzig defender is keen on joining Manchester City. However, it is unclear how the player will fit into the scheme of things at the Etihad. Nonetheless, the Premier League champions are interested in the youngster.
Pep Guardiola already has five top-class centre-backs at his disposal. And it will be interesting to see if he hands Gvardiol a regular role at the Etihad if and when he joins them. But Barcelona, Real Madrid, and the other bigwigs will surely try to stop the 20-year-old from moving to Manchester City.
