Manchester City and Real Madrid are both keen on having the services of 21-year-old defender Josko Gvardiol ahead of next season.
According to 90min, Manchester City and Real Madrid are ready to battle it out for the services of Josko Gvardiol. The 21-year-old centre-back has established himself as one of the best defenders in the ongoing season. And, a lot of clubs are willing to break the bank to acquire his services. RB Leipzig will demand around £75 million to part ways with the youngster.
The RB Leipzig defender had an outstanding run in the FIFA World Cup 2022 for Croatia. He was one of the key reasons why Luka Modric’s team made it to yet another World Cup semi-final.
Gvardiol came into the limelight while playing for Dinamo Zagreb. He came through the ranks at the club and became an important part of their first team before being bought by the German club in the summer of 2021. The 21-year-old has gone from strength to strength since arriving at RB Leipzig.
He has featured in a total of 78 matches and has eight goal contributions for the German club. As far as the ongoing season is concerned, the Croatian international has featured in 32 matches and has three goals to his name. Gvardiol has been the mainstay of their defence in the ongoing season.
The 21-year-old’s contract at the club runs until the summer of 2027. While he is not expected to trouble the club by demanding a move away, a lot of bids are still expected to arrive for his services. And, Leipzig are well aware of the fact that he is ready to move on.
The German giants are expected to fetch around £75 million for the defender. Meanwhile, Manchester City and Real Madrid are the two clubs keen on having Gvardiol in their ranks.
Pep Guardiola’s team are expected to push for a new left-sided centre-back in the summer. And, they have identified the 21-year-old as their priority target. With Aymeric Laporte’s future at the club uncertain, signing the Croatian defender will surely help their cause.
However, Manchester City will face tough competition from Real Madrid for his services. Los Blancos are looking to add a new centre-back into the mix in the upcoming window. The majority of their defenders are over 30, and they have had a few injury concerns as well. As a result, Real Madrid want to add Gvardiol in the summer.
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While both Manchester City and Madrid have him as a priority target it will be interesting to see if either of them manage to sign the £75 million rated defender, given the fact that they will also push for Jude Bellingham in the summer. And, signing both of them could end up costing a fortune.