According to reports, a number of elite Premier League teams are interested in acquiring RB Leipzig center-back Josko Gvardiol, who plays for Croatia.

What is the current state of Gvardiol?

At the 2022 World Cup, many players thrived, but few improved their reputations more than the 21-year-old. In all seven of Croatia’s games in Qatar, Gvardiol made an appearance. He distinguished himself as one of the competition’s top defenders and contributed to his nation’s third-place result. Journalist Zach Lowy called Gvardiol’s performances “sensational.”

It is not surprising to learn that the teenager is presently one of Europe’s most sought-after young players, with a number of clubs rumored to be interested in signing him at the end of the season.

Erik ten Hag is rumored to be looking to add to this squad’s alternatives during the upcoming transfer window, and United is one of the clubs thought to be in the mix. Gvardiol will not be inexpensive this summer or next because of his well-known £97 million release clause, which goes into effect in 2024.

Does he intend to join Manchester United?

If Leipzig permits Gvardiol to leave this summer, United are “showing interest,” according to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke. The article also mentions Tottenham, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Liverpool, so the Red Devils are not the only team expressing a desire to capture the defender.

Due to the fact that Gvardiol’s current Leipzig contract won’t end until the summer of 2027, they will be in a position to demand a high price for one of their most valued assets or just refer interested parties to the £97 million clause.

There is no questioning Gvardiol’s playing ability; Alex Scott, a pundit, called him a player with “limitless” potential. He possesses all the necessary qualities to become one of the top center backs of his time. He had an astounding 5.3 clearances per game on average at the World Cup, but for Leipzig this season in the Champions League, he has an 89% pass completion rate.

However, there is one disadvantage: Ten Hag already has Lisandro Martinez filling the left-sided center-back position, and at 25, he is likely to play an important part for many years, making it difficult to accommodate both players into the team.

Given how much money Gvardiol would probably cost, United might be better off investing it in areas of the field that appear to be lacking, like the attack, where a top-tier acquisition like Harry Kane or Victor Osimhen is required to lead the line.