Record-Breaking Transfer
The clubs have agreed on a £77.6 million (€90 million) transfer price.
The purchase of Harry Maguire, who cost Manchester United £80 million in 2019, does not set a record for a defender.
When inflation and exchange rate fluctuations are taken into account, the purchase will only cost City a few million pounds more than Liverpool spent on Virgil van Dijk.
Generally regarded as one of the best center-backs in Europe, Gvardiol is a left-footed Croatian international.
Numerous elite teams have expressed interest in the 21-year-old, including Chelsea and Tottenham, both of which wanted to sign him last year.
Josko Gvardiol’s two encounters with Manchester City in the Champions League last season couldn’t have been more dissimilar, from a goal-scoring showcase of his abilities to a humiliation at the Etihad.
The Croatian World Cup player in the mask demonstrated during the first leg of their round of 16 match why, at the age of just 21, he is one of the best young defenders in the world and is sought after by the best clubs in Europe. He finished off his mature defensive performance by tying the score for the German club with a spectacular header.
Three weeks later, Erling Haaland scored five goals as RB Leipzig was destroyed 7-0 in Manchester. Gvardiol had a learning experience from it. But potentially one that will increase his motivation to dominate the sport.
It certainly doesn’t appear to have hurt his reputation among potential suitors.
BREAKING: Manchester City have agreed a transfer fee of £77.6m for RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol 💰 pic.twitter.com/ZKxuYswJki
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 2, 2023