Bayern Munich are assessing a potential summer transfer for Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol, according to reports in Germany. The claim originated with German football legend Lothar Matthäus over the weekend, and has since been followed up by Sport1, who suggest the player himself would be open to a move to the Allianz Arena.
Matthäus’ initial comments sparked speculation about Bayern’s defensive plans, and Sport1’s reporting indicates a mutual interest between the club and the Croatian international. Gvardiol is said to be a long-time admirer of Bayern Munich, and is reportedly seeking a departure from the Etihad Stadium despite having joined only three years ago.
Manchester City invested a substantial €90 million to secure Gvardiol’s services from RB Leipzig in 2023, making him one of the most expensive defenders in the club’s history. With two years remaining on his current contract, City are under no immediate pressure to sell, and would likely demand a significant fee for the 22-year-old. Sport1 suggests that skillful negotiation could potentially bring the price down to €75 million, though Bayern may be hesitant to meet even that valuation.
Bayern’s transfer strategy is complicated by their pursuit of Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon, indicating a significant investment is also planned for their attacking options. The club are also reportedly exploring options to add depth to their defence, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown also mentioned as a potential target. This suggests that any move for Gvardiol would need to fit within a carefully managed budget.
Gvardiol has proven to be a versatile asset for Manchester City, featuring prominently at both centre-back and left-back under Pep Guardiola. He has made 62 appearances for the club across all competitions, contributing to a Premier League title win and a Champions League triumph. His ability to operate in multiple positions would be particularly valuable to Bayern, who are looking to strengthen their defensive options ahead of next season. A successful transfer could provide Bayern with a long-term solution in defence, while potentially freeing up funds for further investment in other areas of the squad.
