RB Leipzig chief provides Gvardiol-Man City transfer update

The English and European champions could potentially make Josko Gvardiol the most expensive defender in history this summer.

Manchester City are in talks with RB Leipzig over the transfer of Josko Gvardiol, according to the German club’s sporting director Max Eberl.

Gvardiol has requested to join City as they look for reinforcements in defense. Leipzig have demanded a world record fee for a defender, which the Citizens are reportedly willing to pay. The fee may eclipse €100 million, with add-ons included.

“Gvardiol and his agents gave us their desire to move to Manchester City. We are in talks with City,” Eberl told LVZ.

On the potential transfer fee, the Leipzig chief added: “Yes, for €100m plus bonuses.”

If the deal goes through, Gvardiol would surpass Harry Maguire as the most expensive defensive signing ever. Maguire’s record has stood since 2019. This was when he joined Manchester United from Leicester City for around £80 million (€87m).

City have already made one signing in the summer transfer window. That is Mateo Kovacic, who they signed from Chelsea for €29.1 million. The midfielder, who plays alongside Gvardiol for the Croatian national team, will hope to fill the void left by Ilkay Gundogan. The Citizens captain completed a free transfer to Barcelona last week, ending a trophy-laden seven-year stint at the Etihad.