According to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United is seriously interested in the race to sign Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol.
The 20-year-old’s value has once again increased as a result of his outstanding performance at this winter’s World Cup in Qatar.
Against Croatia, striker Romelu Lukaku nearly scored for Belgium, but the Red Bull Leipzig centre back made what is likely the best tackle of the competition thus far to prevent it from travelling towards goal. Had the striker hit the shot, the Croatian side would have been eliminated from the competition.
Brazil, who are probably the tournament favourites, will be facing Zlatko Dalic’s team in the quarterfinals after Brazil defeated Japan on penalties in the round of 16.
News #Gvardiol: We’ve been told: NO release clause in his contract until 2027. But lots of top clubs informed about him for 2023. #CFC, #MUFC, Real and Barcelona highly involved. For Tuchel he was the main target. Boehly also focused on him. NO contact with Bayern. @SkySportDE 🇭🇷 pic.twitter.com/XQsOqjzpEx
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) December 5, 2022
The left-footed Gvardiol, who helped Croatia advance to the round of 8, will likely need to play the game of his life to hold the Selecao’s star-studded forward line.
Former United interim manager Ralf Rangnick wanted to sign the former Dinamo Zagreb defender. However, United’s interest faded away with time. Along with Chelsea, Barcelona, and Real Madrid, Erik ten Hag’s team is still vying to sign the Croatian sensation.
Gvardiol is a left-footed center-back, similarly to Lisandro Martinez, but according to Ten Hag, the Croatian star would make the ideal long-term partner for United’s No. 6.
In order to make room for Gvardiol’s entry, the 52-year-old is willing to let club captain Harry Maguire leave at the end of the current campaign.
