Manchester City finalizes Gvardiol transfer for 90 million euros, breaking the record

As per BILD (Germany), Manchester City has reached an agreement with Leipzig regarding the transfer fee for Josko Gvardiol. The 21-year-old Croatian player is no longer part of Leipzig's squad for their preparation matches against Sint Truidense V.V. and VSG Altglienicke and will only be present as a spectator.

BILD also reveals that Manchester City will complete this deal and officially announce it on the club's website in the coming days. The reigning Champions League champions will pay Leipzig a fixed fee of 90 million euros.

Additionally, Leipzig will also secure a friendly match with Manchester City in the future as part of the deal. This is a policy Leipzig has employed in recent high-value transfers, generating approximately 1.5 million euros per game.

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Manchester City finalizes Gvardiol transfer for 90 million euros.

As a result, Gvardiol will become the most expensive defender in history. The current record is held by Harry Maguire, who joined Manchester United from Leicester City in 2019 for 87 million euros (80 million pounds).

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano also confirms that Manchester City and Leipzig are finalizing the last details of the Gvardiol deal. The two clubs have been in direct contact to complete the agreement, which amounts to 90 million euros.

Gvardiol is expected to undergo a medical examination this Friday if everything goes as planned. Romano further reveals that the Croatian player agreed to personal terms with Manchester City nearly two months ago.

However, journalist Jack Gaughan of the Daily Mail (UK) claims that the amount Manchester City will pay to Leipzig for Gvardiol's services is 78 million pounds and does not include any additional fees, meaning it is still below Maguire's record.

Top 10 most expensive defenders in the world (Transfermarkt)

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is eager to have Gvardiol due to his modern defensive style. The Croatian international possesses various qualities: excellent in duels, proficient with both feet, robust physical condition, aggressive playing style, and, importantly, he is only 21 years old, still very young.

BILD also reveals that Chelsea made an 80 million euros offer to buy Gvardiol last summer, which was rejected by Leipzig. Instead, the German club tried to extend the Croatian international's contract until 2027.

In reality, Leipzig was aware they couldn't prevent Gvardiol from joining Manchester City and they already sought alternatives. "Die Roten Bullen" made a third offer of 34 million euros to Lyon for 20-year-old defender Castello Lukeba, which was turned down. Nonetheless, BILD believes that Leipzig will eventually strike a deal in this transfer.

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