Date set for potential arrival of Josko Gvardiol at Manchester City as ‘no way back’ order issued for first-team star

Manchester City could expect to welcome Josko Gvardiol to the Etihad Stadium after the start of the Premier League season, it has been claimed.

Talks over a deal for the Croatian have somewhat lagged in recent days, despite an earlier claim suggesting that the Bundesliga side had agreed a transfer fee with Manchester City for the central defender.

The ongoing saga for the 21-year-old accompanies several issues concerning outgoings at the Etihad Stadium, as Manchester City continue to seek clarity over the future of the likes of Joao Cancelo and Bernardo Silva.

Day 37 has now been and gone in the summer transfer window, and here is how things panned out for Manchester City in the media!

Arrivals

RB Leipzig director, Max Eberl: “There is no agreement with Man City [for Josko Gvardiol]. Not even close… The fact is City would like to have him. Currently we are still very far apart. The transfer of [Dominik] Szoboszlai has secured us financially. We don’t need the money. We would prefer Joško to stay… We are not a club that blocks anything. We are transparent. But we have our ideas and want them to be implemented…

“A lot has been written anyway and the latest information about Joško [Gvardiol] surprised us all. But as you can see: Josko is here [at the club’s pre-season training camp] – so it’s not true… He didn’t do a medical – not that we know. And I don’t think he did it behind our backs because he’s just a professional…” (Sky Germany)

Josko Gvardiol remains Manchester City’s priority in the transfer window and there remains confidence that he will join despite a deal not being struck in time for the player to join the start of their pre-season tour. (Simon Bajkowski, Manchester Evening News)

Manchester City do not want to pay the price RB Leipzig want for Josko Gvardiol, and Leipzig feel they are justified in asking for it as the defender’s release clause is higher next summer. (Simon Stone, BBC Sport)

A possible Josko Gvardiol to Manchester City transfer is ‘definitely not’ a topic for Deadline Day. The sporting/financial impact is so huge that Leipzig want clarity in the next few weeks. City should finalise a deal by mid-August if they really want him. (Philipp Hinze, Sky)

Despite recent reports, Manchester City have no chance of signing either Barcelona’s Raphinha or RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo as Riyad Mahrez moves closer to his Saudi switch. (Vayam Lahoti, City Xtra)

Sources: Manchester City rule out two names as potential Riyad Mahrez replacements

Departures

Luton Town have signed Issa Kabore on a season-long loan from Manchester City – who have extended his contract until June 2027 alongside his loan. There will be no buy option included in the deal. (Official, Fabrizio Romano)

Bayern Munich and Manchester City officials will negotiate a deal for Kyle Walker in Tokyo next week, with a transfer on the verge of being finalised. However, a swap deal with Benjamin Pavard is unlikely. (Florian Plettenberg)

Kyle Walker is ‘keen’ to talk to Bayern Munich about a possible move from Manchester City. There is no agreement yet on a fee, although talks between the two clubs are ongoing and are expected to be face-to-face while both sets of officials are in Japan next week. (Sky Sports)

There is no way back for Joao Cancelo at Manchester City following his fall-out with Pep Guardiola last season. (Simon Mullock, Mirror)

Contract Renewals

Manchester City are pressing Bernardo Silva for an answer, after offering the 28-year-old a two-year contract extension and a pay-rise that would take his earnings to £300,000-a-week. So far, no club has been willing to meet City’s £70 million asking price. Pep Guardiola has again been delighted by Silva’s attitude in pre-season. (Simon Mullock, Mirror)

Confirmed Deals

Mateo Kovacic: Chelsea to Manchester City, (£25 million plus £5 million in add-ons)

Spike Brits: AFC Wimbledon to Manchester City, (Unknown terms)

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James Trafford: Manchester City to Burnley, (£15M plus £4M add-ons, Permanent)

Shea Charles: Manchester City to Southampton, (£10.5M, Permanent)

Ilkay Gundogan: Manchester City to FC Barcelona, (Free transfer)

Enzo Maresca: Manchester City to Leicester City, (Unknown terms)

Rodolfo Borrell: Manchester City to Austin FC, (Unknown terms)

Callum Doyle: Manchester City to Leicester City, (Season-long loan, £500,000)

Issa Kabore: Manchester City to Luton Town, (Season-long loan)

Yan Couto: Manchester City to Girona, (Season-long loan)

Liam Delap: Manchester City to Hull City, (Season-long loan)

Kian Breckin: Manchester City to Wycombe Wanderers, (Season-long loan)

Morgan Rogers: Manchester City to Middlesbrough, (Unknown terms, Permanent)

Josh McNamara: Manchester City to Southampton, (Unknown terms, Permanent)

Cieran Slicker: Manchester City to Ipswich Town, (Unknown terms, Permanent)

Yangel Herrera: Manchester City to Girona, (Unknown terms, Permanent)

Herbie James: Manchester City to Tottenham Hotspur (Pre-Agreement, Permanent)

Terrell Agyemang: Released

Rowan McDonald: Released

Benjamin Mendy: Released

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