In the ongoing summer transfer saga, Manchester City’s €75 million bid for Josko Gvardiol, RB Leipzig’s defensive stalwart, and Croatian international, has been turned down, according to Dailysports. However, it appears that the Leipzig-based club’s refusal is not the end of the road for the English football giants.
Despite the initial setback, insiders suggest that RB Leipzig is open to negotiations but seeks a larger compensation, reportedly in the ballpark of €100 million. This stance indicates the German club’s valuation of the player, considering Gvardiol’s stellar performance since he joined their ranks.
It’s worth noting that Gvardiol, only 21 years old, has shown a keen interest in the proposed move to Manchester City, even going as far as to submit a transfer request. The player has already agreed on personal terms with the Premier League club, signaling his readiness for this career shift.
Since moving from Dinamo Zagreb in the summer of 2021 for a fee of €18.8 million, Gvardiol has made significant strides with RB Leipzig. His record includes 87 appearances across all competitions, contributing five goals and three assists. His successes with the club also include clinching the German Cup twice. Gvardiol’s existing contract with RB Leipzig runs through the summer of 2027.
Furthermore, Gvardiol has been an asset for the Croatian national team. Since his debut in 2021, he has featured in 21 matches, netting two goals. His performance on the international stage mirrors his club success, proving his worth as a rising star in European football.
With the ongoing negotiations, all eyes will be on the developments around Gvardiol’s potential move to Manchester City. The proposed transfer highlights the club’s commitment to reinforcing their defence, and acquiring a young talent like Gvardiol could be a strategic move for their future plans.
Manchester City, as one of the wealthiest football clubs in the world, has made some significant player acquisitions. Here are some of the most expensive signings Manchester City has made, as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021:
- Jack Grealish from Aston Villa – Approximately £100 million in 2021. Grealish became the most expensive British footballer ever with this transfer.
- Ruben Dias from Benfica – Approximately £64.3 million in 2020. Dias has since proved to be a solid investment, playing a significant role in the team’s defense.
- Kevin De Bruyne from VfL Wolfsburg – Approximately £55 million in 2015. De Bruyne has since become one of the most influential players at the club and in the Premier League.
- Riyad Mahrez from Leicester City – Approximately £60 million in 2018. Mahrez has been a significant part of the team’s attacking force.
- Joao Cancelo from Juventus – Approximately £58.5 million in 2019. Cancelo has proved his worth in various positions in the team’s defense and midfield.
- Rodri from Atletico Madrid – Approximately £62.8 million in 2019. Rodri was brought in as a long-term replacement for the club’s defensive midfielder Fernandinho.
