Gvardiol, a 21-year-old Croatian international, is widely recognized as one of the most promising defensive prospects in global football and has caught the attention of Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, who considers him a key target for the upcoming 2023-24 season.
During the 2022-23 season, Gvardiol made 41 appearances in various competitions for RB Leipzig, contributing to their consecutive DFB-Pokal triumph and securing qualification for the next edition of the UEFA Champions League by finishing third in the Bundesliga. Additionally, he excelled for his national team in the 2022 World Cup, playing every minute of their seven matches in Qatar and even scoring in the third-place playoff victory against Morocco.
Just over a year ago, Gvardiol extended his contract with Leipzig until June 2027, giving the German club a strong position to set a high asking price for their prized defender. Previously, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United had all shown interest in Gvardiol, who expressed his desire to play in the Premier League earlier this year.
However, while other English clubs have shifted their focus to alternative targets, Manchester City has intensified their pursuit of Gvardiol, positioning themselves as the frontrunners to secure his signature. It is understood that Gvardiol has already reached a personal agreement with Manchester City. Max Eberl, the Leipzig chief, has now confirmed the ongoing negotiations between the two clubs, which, if successful, would result in Gvardiol becoming the most expensive defender in the world.
As reported by The Times, Eberl stated:
If Gvardiol completes his anticipated high-value transfer to the Etihad Stadium, it would surpass the £80m fee that Manchester United paid for center-back Harry Maguire back in 2019.
