Two Premier League rivals missed opportunities to sign new €90 million Manchester City defender

Manchester City signing Josko Gvardiol could have signed for Premier League rivals Manchester United or Chelsea, a new report has detailed.

The 21-year-old completed a £77.6 million move to Manchester City from RB Leipzig over the weekend, becoming the Sky Blues’ second signing of the summer transfer window and the second-most expensive defender in the world.

Gvardiol joins fellow international teammate Mateo Kovacic at the Etihad Stadium, with the Croatian pair having helped their nation to an impressive third place finish at the FIFA World Cup last year.

The defender made 41 appearances for RB Leipzig last season, and also scored against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League last-16 first-leg tie at the Red Bull Arena in February.

Gvardiol moves to the Premier League after two years in the Bundesliga, having initially moved to Germany as a teenager from Dinamo Zagreb in 2021.

Pep Guardiola’s latest defensive addition could be handed his debut against Burnley on Friday night, when Manchester City begin their latest Premier League title defence at Turf Moor against Vincent Kompany’s newly promoted side.

The 21-year-olds Premier League debut could have however come significantly sooner, as a new report has revealed that both Manchester United and Chelsea previously considered signing the Croatian defender.

Paul Hirst reports that local rivals Manchester United opted to sign Lisandro Martínez, despite Gvardiol featuring on a seven-man shortlist at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Jason Burt reveals that Chelsea believed that they had a deal in place to sign the 21-year-old last summer, however Gvardiol chose to sign a new contract at RB Leipzig.

Upon signing for Manchester City over the weekend, Gvardiol said: “I have always dreamed of one day playing in England and to be doing so now with Manchester City – after the season they have just had – is a real honour for me.

“Anyone who saw Manchester City play last season knows they are the best team in the world. To win the Treble says everything you need to know about the quality this team has.

“To be joining City is something very special for me and my family.”

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