RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose has suggested that Josko Gvardiol won’t be joining Manchester City this summer after all.
Croatian centre-back Gvardiol was at the top of City’s transfer wish list heading into the summer window, and everything looked set for the transfer to be completed.
However, over the last few days conflicting reports have emerged, and the situation is at risk of descending into farce.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that Gvardiol agreed personal terms with Pep Guardiola’s side one month ago, and that City and Leipzig reached a verbal agreement over the transfer on Wednesday.
The player was due to complete his medical on Thursday but complications in the deal prevented that from happening.
Reports then emerged that a deal is not close as both clubs remain some distance apart in terms of their valuation of Gvardiol.
The 21-year-old is already regarded as one of the best defenders in the world, particularly by his national and potential future City teammate Mateo Kovacic.
RB Leipzig manager has his say
Gvardiol has reported for pre-season training with RB Leipzig, and on Thursday his manager Marco Rose had his say on the situation.
“Josko is one of our players and as far as I know he will remain one of our players,” Rose told Sky.
“I don’t know anything about a medical check, nothing about a first and nothing about a second. I think if it was, I would know as head coach!”
It has been suggested that tensions between Leipzig and City have developed after news of an initial agreement was leaked.
MCN view: It’s not time to panic yet
Whatever Rose says should be taken with a pinch of salt. The deal has clearly not bee concluded yet, but the manager is always going to say what is in his club’s best interest.
If RB Leipzig want it known that they are still ironing out some details with City, then he will – rightly so – say that Gvardiol is one of his players until he is told otherwise.
