Josko Gvardiol is edging ever closer to a mega transfer to Manchester City from RB Leipzig in a deal that’s likely to break the €100m mark. That would make him the most expensive transfer for a defender ever, surpassing Harry Maguire‘s 2020. €87m transfer to Manchester United.
Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and more were linked to the Croatian in the last few years but it seems City have won the race for the defender.
The transfer saga has went on for the entirety of the transfer window and despite the latest setback with the negotiations, it’s thought that the deal is still very much on course for completion. Gvardiol would join his Croatian teammate Mateo Kovacic who joined earlier on in the window for a reported €30m which would certainly help with the acclimatisation to the Premier League.
PLAYER PROFILE
Gvardiol is the epitome of a modern defender. His quick feet, passing and dribbling ability make him the ultimate weapon from the back. He can defend high and low, be progressive with both his passes and dribbles and in general provides the complete package on the ball.
He stands at 1.85m tall and has a lean but stocky build which allows him to be explosive and quick but also firm in challenges. Gvardiol is a physical specimen but relies on his speed of reactions more so than physicality (that’s not to say he’s a slouch in physical duels – au contraire). He’s more of a Stones type player in the duel than he is a William Saliba. He’s a real pest for attackers as he doesn’t let you breathe as he’s always looking for a quick “nibble” on the ball before/after your first touch and is always keen on intercepting the ball if he can.
The Croat might not be the tallest CB out there but his positioning and jumping reach make him dangerous in the air.
He’s truly blessed technically and regularly looks for the most progressive option available rather than shying away from the ball. His passes are nicely weighed and he judges what type of pass to give to the receiver well.
WHERE DOES HE FIT IN?
He should be an extremely valuable profile for Guardiola as the left sided centre back/left back. He has the athleticism to cover the ground and the brains to execute such a complex role. Laporte is likely on his way out of Manchester and Gvardiol should slot in as his replacement effortlessly. Gvardiol could be used as the central CB too.
Even though Ake has had a great season, Guardiola knows how much a left footed CB means to him and it’s well known how stocked his teams are in all departments.
JOSKO GVARDIOL TO MANCHESTER CITY – IN CONCLUSION
Gvardiol is already a world beater but with Guardiola’s guidance he could go on to become the best defender in the world if he keeps progressing. He’s still only 21 and needs polishing here and there but the potential is limitless.
€100m might seem a whole lot but City are getting a defender for the next 10+ years. The way the market prices are rising, this is becoming the norm now if you want elite level talent and the market is only going to get heftier in the future.
He’s one to keep an eye on and I’ll surely be watching to see how he adapts to the English game. We’re talking about a top individual and I’m positive he’ll adapt sooner rather than later even if the start proves to be challenging for him.
