Josko Gvardiol will guarantee Guardiola’s City supremacy

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The future of European football appears to be in the hands of Manchester City and if their plans at strengthening their squad come to fruition, it may just be the beginning of a decade of City supremacy.

Red Bull Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol is City’s number one priority this window and has already agreed personal terms on a long-term contract.  Leipzig are demanding a world record fee for a defender, setting a price-tag of more than 85-million-pounds on the Croatian. Many clubs are in the market for left-footed central defenders but there are few of such a high quality available, this is one of the reasons why Leipzig are demanding a premium.

Gvardiol is viewed by Leipzig as the best defender of his generation, looking at his profile it is not difficult to understand why he is valued so highly.  Physically he is monster.  Gvardiol’s size, strength and speed have led him to being dubbed the “Erling Haaland” of center-backs by his coaches.  In addition, he is arguably the best ball playing defender in the Bundesliga and is already amongst the best in the world.  His vision, passing range and ability to recycle possession make him the perfect Pep Guardiola player.

The evolution of City’s defence last year shifting from fullbacks like Joao Cancelo and Oleksandr Zinchenko to four central defenders, has provided the perfect system for Gvardiol to flourish.  He will most likely be deployed on their left-hand side as their left-sided fullback hybrid with his experience as a left-back for club and country giving City confidence he will fit in straight away.

Despite being just 21 years old, the Croatian is far from a project signing, he is ready to make an impact in City’s starting eleven.  During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Gvardiol was considered the best defender in the tournament helping his country to a third-place finish.  His European experience cannot be ignored either, he has played in two UEFA Champions League campaigns during his time in Germany, making it to the knockout stages last season.  Make no mistake, he is ready for the demands of Pep and the Premier League.

RB Leipzig and Manchester City are reportedly still far apart from agreeing on a fee for the defender with the German club setting a deadline of August 12th for any deal to be concluded.  City want Gvardiol, it is public knowledge, the player has already expressed his desire to make the move and City are financially capable of making a deal happen.  It seems it is only a matter of time before a deal is agreed.

If City secure the signing of Gvardiol it would be more than a statement signing, it would be cementing Manchester City’s football dynasty for the next decade.  City would have the ability to field a lineup consisting of a generational talent in attack with Erling Haaland, in midfield with Phil Foden and in defence with Josko Gvardiol.  Their success would be secure during Pep’s final years and long after his departure.  Last season’s historic treble may only be just the beginning of Gvardiol and Guardiola’s City supremacy.

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Dylan Johnson