Bayern Munich will not be pursuing a deal for Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol this summer, according to Sky Germany. The Croatian international is instead weighing up options between remaining with City or a potential move to Real Madrid.
City are reportedly offering Gvardiol a new contract extending his stay at the Etihad Stadium until 2028, demonstrating their commitment to retaining the 24-year-old centre-back. Real Madrid have also expressed concrete interest, having monitored his progress for a considerable period, and represent a viable alternative should he choose to leave Manchester.
Gvardiol joined Manchester City from RB Leipzig in 2023 for a reported £77 million, becoming one of the most expensive defenders in history. He has quickly established himself as a key component of Pep Guardiola’s squad, making 30 appearances across all competitions during the 2023-24 season and playing a crucial role in City’s Premier League title win.
Bayern’s decision not to pursue Gvardiol is reportedly due to a combination of the player’s high transfer value and the club’s current priorities in the transfer market. While acknowledging Gvardiol’s quality, Bayern believe the financial outlay would not be justified, especially given they are already focusing on other defensive targets. The club is currently pushing to sign Nathaniel Brown from Eintracht Frankfurt to bolster their defensive options.
Furthermore, the future of Alphonso Davies remains uncertain, potentially influencing Bayern’s transfer strategy. The club’s focus appears to be shifting towards more attainable targets and addressing other areas of the squad. Gvardiol’s situation suggests he will remain a highly sought-after defender, with his next move potentially shaping the defensive landscape of European football.
This outcome closes a potential return to the Bundesliga for Gvardiol, who previously impressed during his time with RB Leipzig. His development at City has further enhanced his reputation, making him a prime target for some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
