Finally! The wait is over!! Josko Gvardiol, the 21-year-old centre-back from RB Leipzig has signed a record-breaking contract with Manchester City.
EXCLUSIVE: Joško Gvardiol to Man City, here we go! Agreement reached on the fee between City and Leipzig 🔵🇭🇷
🚨 Understand Gvardiol has completed the first part of medical tests today — deal on the verge of being signed.
Gvardiol agreed personal terms one month ago with City. pic.twitter.com/njylKAxYAU
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 19, 2023
Croatian international joins the champions of Europe for a towering £86 million; breaking the previous record of £80 million spent by Manchester United on Harry Maguire.
Gvardiol was long chased by Manchester City and Pep’s interest was noticeable in last season’s Champions League game between Manchester City and RB Leipzig wherein the defender was seen having a little chat with the Spanish manager.
He is Man City’s second summer signing after Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea for £25 million. The Croatian midfielder would surely have influenced his teammate in joining the Blues and travelling to Manchester. The centre-back had his contract valid till 2027 with a German club and Manchester City therefore have to pay a hefty sum in getting him leave Germany.
Gvardiol, traditionally a centre-back, is equally capable of playing as a left-back which surely influenced Guardiola in paying a hefty sum. We know that the Spaniard is capable of making players play at positions they have never played before and where he makes the new Croatian play is a question to ponder. Although the most likely position for the youngster will be in the left of back 3 with John Stones regaining his defensive midfield position in 3-2-4-1.
The signing of Josko Gvardiol comes in as a threat to many defenders with Aymeric Laporte, Kyle Walker, and Joao Cancelo already searching for places in different squads. While Laporte has been subjected to move to Aston Villa or back to Spain, Kyle Walker is said to have agreed personal terms with Bayern Munich.
Gvardiol if the duo leaves, will be accompanying Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, and John Stones as a centre-back of Manchester City.
