Reinforcement for Flick! Manchester City star could move to Barcelona
Barcelona could get another chance to land one of Hansi Flick's long-standing defensive targets.
Details: According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are closely monitoring the situation of Manchester City defender Joško Gvardiol as uncertainty continues around the English club following the independent commission's ruling in the Premier League financial case. The Catalans had already explored the possibility of signing the Croatian defender in late 2025, when Flick's staff viewed him as an ideal reinforcement because of his ability to operate both at centre-back and on the left side of defence.
At the time, however, a deal proved unrealistic. Gvardiol had no intention of leaving Manchester City, while the English club considered him an important part of the project. The defender subsequently signed a new contract with City running until June 2031.
The situation could now develop differently. Manchester City have been found guilty by an independent commission of serious breaches of Premier League financial regulations and have lodged an appeal against the ruling. Potential sanctions discussed in connection with the case include fines, a points deduction and relegation, although no final punishment has yet been imposed while the appeal process continues.
That uncertainty is why Barcelona are keeping an eye on Gvardiol again rather than launching immediate negotiations. Mundo Deportivo's report does not establish that an offer has been made or that the Croatian has changed his previous position on leaving Manchester City.
It is worth noting that Gvardiol is 24 years old and remains under contract with Manchester City until the summer of 2031. Transfermarkt most recently listed the Croatian defender's market value at €70 million.
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Steven Perez
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