Josuco Gbardiol’s move to Manchester City is still on track.
European soccer transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano wrote on social media on Monday (April 18), “The negotiations between Manchester City and Leipzig for Gbadiol continue. It hasn’t stopped yet. As I understand it, the issue is the fixed transfer fee. Add-ons are not an issue. Leipzig want a fixed transfer fee of at least €100 million for him.”
Gvardiol is still young, born in 2002, but he is already considered one of the best center backs in the world. His man-to-man defense, speed, and footwork are the epitome of what modern football demands from a center back. He is currently a key center back for Leipzig and was the starting center back for Croatia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he led them to the quarterfinals. 꽁머니
And the ‘European Champions’ have been keeping a close eye on him. City are looking to strengthen at center back. Having won the treble last season, they want to build a more solid defense next season. Also, if they use a back three, Kyle Walker could play, and with the possibility of his departure to Bayern Munich, they need a center back.
However, Leipzig are not willing to let Gvardiol go so easily. “If Gvardiol goes to Man City, he will become the most expensive defender in the history of world football,” said Croatian publication Index. Leipzig are asking for 100 million euros ($142.3 million) for his transfer and are not interested in anything less.”
If the deal goes through, Gbadiol will hold the record for the most expensive center back in the world. The previous most expensive defender transfer was Harry Maguire’s £80 million ($132.8 billion) move from Leicester City to Manchester United in 2019.
Meanwhile, Gbadiol himself is reportedly eager to join City. According to Romano, Gervinho finalized a personal agreement with City a month ago and has been pushing for the move. With the player wanting it so badly and City continuing to negotiate, it’s looking increasingly likely that a deal will be done.