Manchester City will have to break the bank and pay a record fee to acquire the services of defender Josko Gvardiol.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Josko Gvardiol is a top transfer target for Manchester City along with central midfielder Mateo Kovacic. As far as acquiring the services of Gvardiol is concerned, City will have to shatter all records to do so.
The Croatian international has been on fire over the last two seasons and is on the radar of multiple top clubs from across Europe. City have been keen on him since last summer and are looking to land him at the club ahead of next season.
Manchester City consider Josko Gvardiol a top target as Mateo Kovacic — he’s in the list since last year, talks already took place. Player, keen on the move. 🚨🔵 #MCFC
Leipzig will only sell Gvardiol for huge fee as most expensive centre back ever.
🎥 https://t.co/sgUBhcaQNC pic.twitter.com/I7E4B3KKTu
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 12, 2023
The Manchester-based club have won the Champions League for the very first time and have managed to become the second English club to complete the treble. After doing the business on the pitch, they have shifted their focus onto transfers and their priority is to further strengthen their defence by acquiring Gvardiol.
The 21-year-old who came through the ranks at Dinamo Zagreb has been the mainstay of Leipzig’s defence. He has put in impressive performances both in the league as well as the Champions League.
On the back of his impressive performances, he signed a contract extension last summer. His new contract runs until the summer of 2027 and there is a release clause of around £100 million. But, the clause won’t be active until the summer of 2024.
City do not intend on waiting until next season as they look to avoid any competition. Guardiola’s men were plotting a £80 million offer for the 21-year-old. But, it seems they have been informed that only a world record fee for a defender can prise him away from Germany in the summer.
The highest fee ever for a defender was the €87 million that Manchester United spent on Harry Maguire back in the day. So, City will have to go for something over €90 million to stand a chance to sign the Croatian international.
Pep Guardiola’s team have been in conversation with both the player and the club as they look for a way to strike a deal for the player’s services. Even Gvardiol is keen on joining City.
As a result, Guardiola’s team might end up shattering all records for the 21-year-old who is versatile in nature and will help further strengthen one of the best defences in world football.
