RB Leipzig sporting director Max Eberl has confirmed Josko Gvardiol has requested to join Manchester City as talks between the clubs continue.
Treble-winning City wants reinforcements at the back and were told by the Bundesliga club late in June that a world-record fee for a defender would be required for a sale to be facilitated. Interest from Pep Guardiola’s side dates back to April.
Leipzig have already lost key first team stars like Christopher Nkunku, Konrad Laimer and Dominik Szoboszlai this summer. The departure of Gvardiol, who started 24 league games as his side came third behind champions Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, would be another hefty blow to the spine of last season’s team.
Confirming that Josko Gvardiol has requested to join Manchester City, RB Leipzig Sporting Director Max Eberl told German outlet LVZ;
“I can confirm that Joško Gvardiol and agents told us about their desire to move to Manchester City. We are in talks with Manchester. That’s all there is to say at the moment.
“Yes, for €100m plus bonuses, Gvardiol will end up in Pep’s strong hands. The value of the deal would make Gvardiol the most expensive defender in history. But it might take a few more days.”
Gvardiol has a £97m release clause in his Leipzig contract that becomes active in 2024, but City wants to sign him now. Guardiola has long been an admirer of the young centre-back, particularly his ability on the ball and in duels. The City boss plans to use a four-centre-back system again next season so would rather sign Gvardiol than a full-back.
His transfer fee might eclipse the £80m forked out by local rivals Manchester United to Leicester for Harry Maguire back in 2019. Gvardiol had previously been wanted by Chelsea last year but no agreement was ever reached before he signed a new contract with Leipzig.
His arrival would add to Guardiola’s strength in central defence. Consistent roles were found for Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji, and John Stones throughout the successful 2022/23 campaign, while Aymeric Laporte often warmed the bench or featured in lower stakes outings.