Manchester City are close to finalising a deal for RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol.
The clubs have agreed a transfer fee of £77.6m (€90m).
The deal for Harry Maguire did not break the record for a defender, as Manchester United spent £80m on him in 2019. Taking into consideration exchange rate fluctuations and inflation, City is paying only a slightly higher amount than the £75m that Liverpool paid for Virgil van Dijk.
Gvardiol, a widely acclaimed left-footed centre-back from Croatia, is considered among the best in Europe. Last year, the 21-year-old attracted interest from several esteemed clubs, including Chelsea and Tottenham, who sought to secure his signature.
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Charting rise of Leipzig defender Gvardiol
Josko Gvardiol had contrasting encounters with Manchester City in the Champions League last season, showcasing his goal-scoring skills in one instance and experiencing a humbling defeat at the Etihad in another.
In the first leg of their last-16 match, the Croatian player, known for wearing a mask in the World Cup, demonstrated why he is highly regarded as one of the best young defenders in the world. Despite being just 21 years old, he is sought after by top clubs in Europe. His exceptional defensive performance was highlighted by scoring a powerful header to equalize for his German team.
After three weeks, RB Leipzig suffered a devastating 7-0 defeat in Manchester, unable to counter the talent of Erling Haaland who scored five goals. This defeat was a humbling experience for Gvardiol, but it may fuel his determination to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
Man City's pre-season fixtures and results
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His desirability among potential suitors appears to remain unaffected.Man City's pre-season fixtures and results
Follow the summer transfer window with Sky Sports
Which players will be on the move this summer as the transfer window opens on June 14 and closes at 11pm on September 1 in England and midnight in Scotland?Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on We' digital platforms. You can also catch up with the ins, outs and analysis on We News.