According to Mirror, Pep Guardiola may have changed his mind about keeping the brilliant Croatian defender and launched a game-changing transfer proposal for Josko Gvardiol of RB Leipzig.
According to reports, the 21-year-old has received a staggering offer from the Sky Blues of €90 million (£77 million), with personal details already settled. Gvardiol will become the most expensive defender in the world if the deal is accepted.
Gvardiol’s Outstanding Season Germany’s Bundesliga
At the center of Leipzig’s defence, Gvardiol once more demonstrated his dependability and quality, putting forth a commendable effort throughout the previous season at the Red Bull Arena. The Croatian player showed off his offensive skills by scoring three goals in 41 games for the German team across a variety of competitions.
The 21-year-old showed consistency in the Bundesliga, recording an average of 0.8 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, and 2.3 clearances per game. In addition, according to statistics from whoscored, he had great ball distribution skills from the backline, boasting an impressive pass success percentage of 89.3% in Germany’s top division.
The current Leipzig deal with Gvardiol is scheduled to expire in the summer of 2027. Therefore, Man City must make a strong offer to persuade the player and his current club in order to secure his services at the Etihad Stadium this season.
Does Laporte’s position in the team face any threat as a result of his arrival at Manchester City?
The prospective acquisition of Josko Gvardiol by Man City could intensify the battle for the starting center-back spot and have an effect on Aymeric Laporte’s roster spot. Laporte’s apparent displeasure is a result of his declining playing time, inability to make a big impact the previous season, and eventual drop in the hierarchy.
If Gvardiol joins City, the club’s choices for centre backs would be significantly strengthened, possibly leading to increased competition in the defensive area. To preserve the depth, Pep Guardiola would have to decide whether to trade Laporte this summer or keep him for another season.
Laporte’s status in the team and future will ultimately depend on a variety of variables, including his performance, his ability to impress Guardiola, and the chemistry of the squad as a whole. It’s important to note that elite clubs like the Mancunian giants frequently rotate their rosters, and Guardiola may use various centre-back lineups depending on the match’s tactical requirements.