Manchester City have reached an agreement with RB Leipzig for the transfer of Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol.
The 21-year-old centre-back is set to join City for a fee of 90 million euros (£77 million), marking a significant move for the Premier League club.
This deal, however, excludes any additional add-ons, maintaining the British record for a defender at £80 million, a figure set by Manchester United’s acquisition of Harry Maguire from Leicester City in 2019.
Gvardiol has demonstrated his prowess during his time at Leipzig, amassing an impressive 87 appearances since his signing from Dynamo Zagreb in 2021. The talented defender’s versatility, ability to play left-back, and his strong performances have caught the attention of the football world.
Despite initial challenges in negotiations last week when Leipzig held firm on a minimum price of €100 million (£86 million), the deal has ultimately materialized.
Gvardiol’s move is expected to be finalised after he undergoes a medical examination in England later this week.
With Gvardiol set to reinforce the left side of Manchester City’s central defence, his arrival may impact the future of Aymeric Laporte at the Etihad Stadium, particularly given the array of options now available, including Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, and Nathan Ake.
