Manchester City are reportedly eyeing a summer move for RB Leipzig’s 20-year-old rising star Josko Gvardiol.
According to Mike McGrath on Twitter, Manchester City are keeping an eye on 20-year-old Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol and his performances at Bundesliga club RB Leipzig as they potentially prepare for life after Nathan Ake.
The 27-year-old Dutchman has been heavily linked with a return to Chelsea this season. The Blues have fallen short of landing Jules Kounde and Matthijs de Ligt, meaning Ake is an attainable target. The Manchester City defender has already agreed to personal terms and could soon be decked out in blue.
While Ake might not have been a key player for Pep Guardiola, he has provided them with reliable cover and was called up several times in the last two seasons. The Dutchman did not particularly stand out but did enough to justify the faith put in him. Also capable of playing on the left, replacing him is important should the move to Stamford Bridge materialise.
Manchester City are thus keeping an eye on several players, among them Gvardiol. The 20-year-old is a rising star in the Bundesliga and his performances are attracting attention from several top European clubs.
Gvardiol is not just a promising defender but is also good with the ball at his feet. His ability to bring the ball out from the back should tie in well with Guardiola’s system and tactics. There is every reason to believe that the 20-year-old can take his game to the next level under the Catalan boss at Manchester City.
The young Croat does have some kinks to iron out and has shown the propensity to give away the ball under pressure. This could prove detrimental in a side that stresses keeping possession of the ball, such as Manchester City.
The Premier League champions already have Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte and John Stones on their books. Gvardiol has potential, but at this moment in time, he will be the fourth choice starter at best. While playing for an elite side does have its benefits, it remains to be seen if the 20-year-old is willing to sacrifice regular playing time by joining Manchester United.
As things stand, the youngster will be well served staying put at Leipzig. He will gain regular play-time in the Bundesliga and will also have the opportunity to be a part of an exciting young squad. Given his potential, there should be no shortage of interest in his services in the years to come. Staying put and developing his game before moving to a top club would be the best way forward.