Manchester City have moved swiftly to block FC Bayern Munich from pursuing Josko Gvardiol, offering the Croatian defender a new long-term contract that would extend his stay at the Premier League club until 2031. The 24-year-old, who has emerged as a potential summer target for the German record champions, now faces a significant barrier to any potential move away from the Etihad Stadium.
According to reports from the Bayern Insider podcast and Sport1, City's hierarchy has presented Gvardiol with improved terms that would keep him contracted through the 2030/31 season, effectively extending his current deal that runs until June 2028. The move represents a proactive strategy from City to retain one of their most versatile defensive assets before Bayern or other European clubs can make a formal approach.
Bayern's Interest and Financial Constraints
Bayern have long admired Gvardiol, with their interest dating back to his time at RB Leipzig before his 2022 transfer to Manchester City. The defender is reportedly a keen admirer of the Bavarian club and has previously indicated his willingness to explore a move to the Bundesliga. Legendary midfielder Lothar Matthäus suggested Bayern have already made initial enquiries, positioning Gvardiol as a potential top summer target. However, City's valuation poses a formidable obstacle—the club is demanding at least €75 million for the left-back, a figure Bayern are unlikely to sanction.
Bayern's current defensive structure provides little justification for such expenditure. The club possesses a solid first-choice pairing in Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah, alongside capable reserves including Josip Stanisic, Hiroki Ito, and Min-Jae Kim. Even if both Ito—expected to depart for around €20 million—and Kim leave this summer, a €75 million investment in a third centre-back remains impractical given Bayern's other priorities.
Alternative Plans and Summer Priorities
At left-back, Bayern have Alphonso Davies as their established first-choice player, reducing the urgency to pursue Gvardiol for that position. Bayern's recruitment strategy instead focuses on other areas: a new left winger to support Luis Díaz, with Newcastle's Anthony Gordon frequently mentioned, plus a backup striker following the end of Nicolas Jackson's loan spell. The club is also exploring the possibility of signing Eintracht Frankfurt's Nathaniel Brown as a potential left-back alternative should Davies depart due to ongoing injury concerns. Bayern Munich's summer window will likely reflect these pressing needs rather than a costly pursuit of an already well-protected Premier League defender.
