Transfer Centre

Josko Gvardiol 'agrees personal terms with Manchester City'

By Andrew Delaney, Reporter | 24 June 2023

Manchester City are reportedly close to sealing a deal to sign Josko Gvardiol, after agreeing personal terms with the RB Leipzig defender.

Manchester City have reportedly agreed personal terms with RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol.

The 21-year-old burst onto the global stage with impressive performances at the World Cup in Qatar which garnered widespread praise from pundits and fans.

After helping Croatia to a third-place at the finals, and RB Leipzig into the Champions League once more, Fabrizio Romano claims that Man City boss Pep Guardiola is a big fan and is keen to bring Gvardiol to the Etihad.

RB Leipzig are often shrewd in the market though and will not let their defender leave on the cheap, with the club hoping to receive at least €100m (£85.9m), making him the most expensive centre-back of all time.

City have not been afraid of spending big money on their defence in recent years though, with Ruben Dias, John Stones, Kyle Walker and Aymeric Laporte all commanding hefty fees.

Gvardiol made headlines after a heroic performance in their group stage draw with Belgium which saw them reach the knockout round at the Red Devils' expense, before scoring in the third-placed playoff which earned the nation a bronze medal.

Croatia's Josko Gvardiol pictured at the World Cup on December 9, 2022 © Reuters

However, after helping the Vatreni top their Nations League group, Gvardiol was absent from the finals which saw Croatia lose on penalties to Spain in the showpiece event, just weeks after missing the DFB-Pokal final through suspension, which Leipzig ultimately won against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Guardiola had a close look at Gvardiol when City faced Leipzig in the Champions League earlier this year, with the defender scoring in the 1-1 draw between the sides in Eastern Germany back in February.

Gvardiol may not be the only big-name arrival at the Etihad this summer either, as Paris Saint-Germain right-back Achraf Hakimi has been linked with a move to the club.

With Walker said to be mulling over a move to Bayern Munich, Guardiola could enter the market for a right-back, and a potential move for Hakimi has been strengthened following recent revelations.

Mundo Deportivo claims that Hakimi is unhappy in Paris and wishes to leave the club this summer.

Paris Saint-Germain's Achraf Hakimi during the warm up before the match on August 7, 2021 © Reuters

The Moroccan full-back has been in the headlines both on and off the pitch in recent months, as the 24-year-old was charged with rape by French prosecutors back in March.

Hakimi also showed his displeasure after being sent off following a scuffle with Ajaccio players in mid-May, shouting 'This is France!' following a second dismissal in as many appearances.

It was during Inter Milan's 2020-21 title-winning season where Hakimi came to huge prominence, and led PSG to acquiring the attacking full-back, but he could now be the solution if Walker departs Manchester.