Manchester City signed Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig for a record 90 million euros (£77 million). He becomes the second-most expensive defender after Harry Maguire’s £80 million move from Leicester City to Manchester United in 2019. Also, Gvardiol, 21, joined Leipzig from Dinamo Zagreb in July 2021 and has impressed in his two seasons.
Manchester City signed RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol for a record fee
Guardiola helped Croatia finish third in the 2022 World Cup and second in this year’s Nations League, losing to Spain. After winning the Treble, he will wear Manchester City’s number 24 and is delighted to work with Pep Guardiola. Guardiola is excited to play with fellow Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic, who joined Chelsea for £25 million in June. Also, Erling Haaland, City’s prolific striker, is now on the same side as the young defender, which relieved him.
Before joining RB Leipzig, Guardiola won a league and cup double with Dinamo Zagreb. He led RB Leipzig to two Champions League appearances and the German Cup. Txiki Begiristain, City’s director of football, praised Gvardiol’s versatility and character. Several prominent European clubs are interested in the left-footed center-back’s defensive alternatives. Also, in 2021-22, Gvardiol helped Leipzig reach the Europa League semi-finals, where they lost 3-2 to Rangers.
In 2021-22, Leipzig finished third in the Champions League group, which Manchester City won—he faced his new team in the round of 16 last season, losing 8-1 on aggregate. Guardiola praised City’s home performance and atmosphere. Plus, Ball possession, noting how difficult they are to play. So, Gvardiol’s brief career is marked by joining such a strong squad, and he wants to help City win.
