Manchester City and RB Leipzig have successfully negotiated a deal for Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol, with a transfer fee of 90 million euros (£77 million) agreed upon.
The 21-year-old’s transfer does not include any additional add-ons, which means that the British record for a defender’s transfer fee remains at £80 million, paid by Manchester United for Harry Maguire in 2019.
Gvardiol has been a pivotal player for RB Leipzig since joining them from Dynamo Zagreb in 2021, making 87 appearances for the club. He is now set to travel to England for a medical later this week.
The transfer appeared uncertain initially, as Leipzig was adamant they wouldn’t accept anything less than €100 million (£86 million). However, Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, sees Gvardiol as a valuable addition to the left side of the central defense, alongside Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, and Nathan Ake. This move has raised questions about the future of Aymeric Laporte at the Etihad Stadium.
Besides his defensive capabilities, Gvardiol can also play as a left-back, making him a versatile signing for Manchester City. He becomes their second major signing this summer, following the acquisition of fellow Croatian Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea for an initial fee of £25 million.
Kovacic’s arrival serves as a replacement for Ilkay Gundogan in City’s midfield, as the former captain made a free transfer to Barcelona. Furthermore, winger Riyad Mahrez moved to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli in a £30 million deal.
Gvardiol’s international record includes scoring two goals in 21 appearances for Croatia. He played a vital role in helping Croatia secure third place in the 2022 World Cup and reach the finals of the Nations League, where they were runners-up to Spain.
Prior to joining RB Leipzig, Gvardiol achieved back-to-back titles with Dynamo Zagreb, leaving the club after winning both the league and cup.
