By swooping in on a deal that had just appeared to be finalised, Manchester United may be on track to land one of the summer’s biggest signings.

Does Josko Gvardiol intend to attend Manchester City?

It is surprising that Manchester City’s move for RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol has not yet been finalised given that transfer insider Fabrizio Romano uttered his famous “here we go” nearly two weeks ago.

But a day later, Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol even suggested that the deal is “not close,” bringing the transaction into disrepute.

According to reports in Spain, they are now one of three new Premier League clubs vying for the Croatian’s signature. It appears that Erik ten Hag is trying to take advantage of this obstacle. All of these parties are alleged to have made bids in an effort to persuade the German club to sell to them instead.

They would demand a fee of roughly £75 million to approve his exit, according to a report from back in April. The fee could now go up even further due to the increased competition.

What makes Josko Gvardiol so excellent?

The 21-year-old colossus is in high demand for a variety of reasons, including his experience, which far outweighs his youth.

The six-foot-one, 21-cap Croatian international is a physical marvel due to his blistering speed, but he also possesses the technical skills necessary to succeed in any system.

The left-footed juggernaut has distinguished himself for both his current squad and his country, earning the right to advance in his career.

Should he choose to do so, the youngster would make a fine partnership with Lisandro Martinez at Old Trafford as two ball-playing defenders who would be nearly impossible to get around.

After all, the Argentine star had a successful debut season in English football, overcoming concerns about his height to keep a 7.12 average rating in the Premier League. This statistic, according to Sofascore, was boosted by his 87% pass accuracy, 1.2 interceptions, two tackles, and 3.6 clearances per game.

He was a cornerstone of the defence that gave David De Gea the Golden Glove.

Ten Hag even stated this after his £47 million transfer: “He is a tough, competitive powerhouse of a center-back.

The fans will admire him because he is a warrior, I believe. He is determined and has a fighting spirit. In a positive way, he adds aggression to the game. We require that, I believe. However, he is also skilled and adept at handling the ball.

He could provide the ideal combination of qualities to thwart any striker in the division with his steely presence alongside Gvardiol’s refined, strong, and almost regal stature.

especially when considering the latter’s most recent Bundesliga season, where he too had an average rating of 6.94. The reasons behind such a high price tag are suddenly made clear, according to Sofascore, with 89% pass accuracy, 89% dribble success, and 2.3 clearances per game.

The latter number would have placed him fifth on the Red Devils’ team in the league last season, and his rating would have made him the second-best center-back only behind Martinez.

The fact that FBref ranks in the top 1% for attempted passes per 90, the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90, and the top 18% for progressive passes per 90 when measured against other centre-backs in Europe further solidifies his status as one of the game’s top talents. He would fit in perfectly next to United’s 25-year-old enforcer because he embodies the modern defensive style.

As one Head of Sport at a Bundesliga club waxed lyrical to former footballer-turned-journalist Jan Aage Fjortoft, such form has heralded well-deserved praise:

“Gvardiol is a defenseman of the very highest calibre. In the years to come, there won’t be many players who can control this position like he can.

Zlatko Dalic, the coach of his nation’s team, would go even further, referring to the young titan as the “best central defender in the world.”

Ten Hag has already made enough improvements to his team this summer, but stealing the deal from their rivals would not only give the supporters some much-needed ammunition against the treble-winners, but it would also secure a long-term successor to Raphael Varane who could partner Martinez for the foreseeable future.

They are the ideal synthesis of poise, strength, and potential, and they have the ability to elevate the club back to the pinnacle of world football.