Fresh off winning a historic treble last season, Pep Guardiola’s team is set to bolster its already stout backline with the addition of Croatian star Josko Gvardiol. After lengthy negotiations, the English club finally reached an agreement with RB Leipzig over a fee for the standout defender, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.
Leipzig director Max Eberl said earlier this month that the two clubs were locked in talks about a deal worth “€100 million plus bonuses.”
That figure, which equates to roughly £86 million, would make Gvardiol the most expensive defender in history, eclipsing the £80 million that Manchester United spent in 2019 to acquire Harry Maguire from Leicester City.
The record-breaking transfer is imminent after Gvardiol, 21, completed the first part of his medical test on Wednesday, Romano adds. Personal terms have long been agreed between the player and Premier League champions.
City have been mentioned as a potential destination for Gvardiol dating back to last season. Chelsea came close to landing the left-footed center-back with a reported €90-million offer last summer but couldn’t get the deal over the finish line before turning their attention to other targets.
Gvardiol, a product of the Dinamo Zagreb youth system, joined Leipzig in 2020. His reputation skyrocketed in the Bundesliga, while a superlative performance anchoring the Croatian backline at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar made him one of the most sought-after defenders in the world.
He showcased some of his talents against his soon-to-be employer in February, scoring a towering header to equalize versus City in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash.
City thrived last season after Guardiola decided to eschew natural full-backs in favor of different systems that used three – and sometimes four – center-backs on the pitch at the same time. Gvardiol, smooth in possession and quick enough to cover large areas of the pitch on his own, should, in theory, fit right in on the left side of Guardiola’s defense.
His arrival could coincide with the departure of fellow lefty Aymeric Laporte, who has been linked with a return to Spain this summer.
Monday’s deadline for franchised players to agree to long-term contracts passed without deals for the New York Giants’ Saquon Barkley, the Las Vegas Raiders’ Josh Jacobs and the Dallas Cowboys’ Tony Pollard.
The three running backs were the only players who received the franchise tag not to have reached a long-term contract, and they had until 4 p.m. ET Monday to get one. They will now have to play the 2023 season on their franchise tenders, worth $10.091 million for running backs. Pollard has already signed his tender. Barkley and Jacobs, however, remain unsigned and stayed away from their teams’ offseason programs.
“It is what it is,” Barkley tweeted Monday.
Because they are unsigned, Barkley and Jacobs cannot be fined for not attending training camp, which begins for veterans on both the Giants and Raiders on July 25. Barkley and Jacobs are not expected to report to training camp with the rest of their teams, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday. The two unsigned stars will lose money only if they miss regular-season games and forfeit game checks.
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The player to most recently sit out an entire season was running back Le’Veon Bell in 2018.
The Giants’ contract negotiations with Barkley did not go smoothly from the start. The Giants made an initial offer during the bye week last November that Barkley never seriously considered, multiple sources told ESPN’s Jordan Raanan. The two sides then tabled talks until after the season.
The Giants’ offers to Barkley increased earlier this year, reaching a point where a deal could max out at $14 million per season, sources told Raanan. But the sticking point was guaranteed money and structure. They never got close to his satisfaction.
Romelu Lukaku has one fewer potential suitor in the summer transfer window after Inter Milan surprisingly ended their negotiations for the out-of-favor Chelsea striker, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.
Inter reportedly lodged a final offer potentially worth €40 million – €35 million up front with a further €5 million in add-ons – and were waiting for a response from Chelsea. However, the Nerazzurri are apparently furious that Lukaku held talks with Italian rivals Juventus and have therefore kiboshed their plans to sign the Belgian marksman.
Juventus put together a bid for Lukaku that’s only valid if they sell Paris Saint-Germain-linked Dusan Vlahovic by Aug. 4, Romano reports. Juve’s offer is €37.5 million plus €2.5 million in add-ons.
Lukaku has also been subject to interest from the Saudi Pro League. He was offered £20 million a season by Al-Hilal, according to a report by The Guardian’s Ed Aarons in June.
Lukaku won the Serie A, Coppa Italia, and Supercoppa Italiana with Inter. The Milan club signed him from Manchester United ahead of the 2019-20 campaign before his relentless scoring earned a €115-million move to Chelsea in the summer of 2021. After an underwhelming term with the Blues, he was sent back to Inter on loan last season.
The 30-year-old scored 14 goals across 37 appearances in all competitions for Inter during the 2022-23 campaign.
With the summer transfer period in full swing, the rumor mill is in overdrive on a daily basis throughout world football. theScore will keep you up to date on all the latest transfer buzz until the end of the window.
July 15
Barca can’t afford Cancelo: Even the cost of signing Joao Cancelo on loan is too much for Barcelona, so they’re returning to their plan of signing a young right-back. Pablo Maffeo is linked with a move. (SPORT and TV3 via AS)
Fabinho on his way out: The midfielder’s transfer to Saudi Arabia seems inevitable after he was left out of Liverpool’s preseason camp. Al-Ittihad bid £40 million for Fabinho. (BBC Sport)
Filling the void: Liverpool are seeking potential replacements for Fabinho. The Reds are considering Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch, and Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat. (Daily Mail)
French fancy Vlahovic: Dusan Vlahovic could be headed to Paris Saint-Germain this summer, 18 months after his €91.6-million transfer to Juventus. The move could trigger Romelu Lukaku’s switch to Turin. (Fabrizio Romano)
Tadic the short-term solution: Some Manchester United fans are urging the club to move for Dusan Tadic after he left Ajax. The 34-year-old could help with Erik ten Hag’s No. 9 problem. (Manchester Evening News)
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Colwill alternative: Levi Colwill isn’t for sale, so Brighton & Hove Albion have already reached an agreement over personal terms with Fiorentina’s Igor Julio. The Seagulls’ official offer for Igor is imminent. (Fabrizio Romano)
Taty set for €15M transfer: New York City FC’s Valentin “Taty” Castellanos, who spent last season on loan at La Liga’s Girona, is set to undergo a medical ahead of his €15-million move to Lazio. (Cesar Luis Merlo)
Digne available: Aston Villa are open to offers for left-back Lucas Digne this summer. Napoli could try to sign the Frenchman, who fell behind Alex Moreno in the pecking order at Villa Park. (Mundo Deportivo)
Alex Scott in high demand: Wolverhampton Wanderers are prepared to offer at least £20 million for Bristol City’s 19-year-old midfielder in an attempt to beat competition from West Ham United and Bournemouth. (Telegraph)
Not forgot about Che: Fulham and Crystal Palace could prey on relegated Southampton for Che Adams. The 27-year-old forward is valued at around £15 million. (Daily Mail)
Casadei wanted for promotion push: New Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca is keen to sign Chelsea’s Italy Under-21 star Cesare Casadei on loan for the 2023-24 Championship campaign. (Telegraph)
Surridge to MLS: Sam Surridge, whose goals helped fire Nottingham Forest to the Premier League, is close to joining Major League Soccer’s Nashville SC for around £5 million. (The Athletic)
July 14
Bayern face battle for Kane: Paris Saint-Germain are willing to match any Bayern Munich offer for Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane. A potential move doesn’t hinge on whether Kylian Mbappe leaves. (The Independent)
Neymar on the market: Chelsea, previously linked with Neymar, remain vigilant on the situation. If the Brazilian star decides he wants a change of scenery after six years in Paris, the Blues could pounce. (Le Parisien)
Messy Lukaku negotiations: Inter Milan submitted an offer worth up to €40 million for the Chelsea outcast. Juventus will sign off on a similar bid if they sell Dusan Vlahovic. Inter are unhappy Lukaku spoke to Juve. (Fabrizio Romano)
Latest on Hendo: Talks between Al-Ettifaq and Liverpool over a fee for the English midfielder are ongoing. The Reds won’t accept a free transfer or “small” sum for their club captain. (Fabrizio Romano)
David Ramos / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Diaby in demand: Aston Villa’s €45-million offer for Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby was rejected. The German club wants €60 million for the French international after his strong 2022-23 season. (Sky Sport Germany)
Cancelo’s bags packed: Cancelo, surplus to requirements at Manchester City, is Barcelona’s top priority at full-back. Another loan deal could be in the works for the Portuguese international. (Mundo Deportivo)
Colwill attracting interest: Chelsea defender Levi Colwill, 20, is in high demand following his impressive spell at Brighton & Hove Albion. Tottenham are the latest club to register interest in the rising star. (Evening Standard)
Red Devils getting creative: Manchester United submitted a cash-plus-player offer for Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund. But the Italians want a straight monetary deal and value the young striker at €100 million. (The Athletic)
Fulham stand firm: Al-Hilal’s second offer of around £35 million for Aleksandar Mitrovic was rejected. The Serbian striker wants to leave Craven Cottage for Saudi Arabia. (The Athletic)
Replacement for SMS: Lazio, having lost Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to Saudi Arabia, are in talks to sign Leandro Paredes from PSG. The World Cup winner spent last season on loan at Juventus. (Sky Sport Italia)
July 13
Tottenham’s backup plan: If Kane leaves for Bayern Munich this summer, Spurs will try to sign Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic. Relations between the two clubs are strong after recent dealings. (Foot Mercato)
A possible plot twist: Paris Saint-Germain will do everything in their power to sign Kane this summer despite knowing that his current preference is to join Bayern Munich. (RMC Sport)
Onana to Old Trafford soon: Manchester United and Inter Milan are on the verge of finalizing an initial €50-million deal for goalkeeper Andre Onana. The Red Devils will pay €5 million in add-ons, too. (Fabrizio Romano)
Inter’s new netminder: With Onana’s move to Manchester imminent, Inter will try to sign both Yann Sommer of Bayern Munich and Anatoliy Trubin from Shakhtar Donetsk to revamp their goalkeeper position. (Fabrizio Romano)
Bonucci era ending: Juventus have informed captain Leonardo Bonucci that he’s no longer part of the club’s plans. The veteran defender, 36, is available on the market and free to initiate a transfer. (Goal Italia)
Big Mahrez offer: Al-Ahli want to sign Riyad Mahrez from Manchester City and are preparing a £30-million offer. The tricky winger could earn £25 million per season in Saudi Arabia. (The Athletic)
Fabinho could follow Hendo: Jordan Henderson’s move to Al-Ettifaq is progressing quickly, and another Liverpool midfielder could follow him to the Middle East, as Al-Ittihad are negotiating with Fabinho. (Fabrizio Romano)
West Ham getting restless: West Ham are growing frustrated with Arsenal over the time it’s taking to finalize Declan Rice’s transfer. Arsenal’s lawyers are taking longer than expected to prepare the paperwork. (Sky Sports)
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Pony up, Inter: A €30-million bid from Inter for Lukaku has been dubbed “insufficient” by Chelsea, but talks will continue between the two sides to find a solution for the Belgian forward. (The Guardian)
Atleti’s midfield overhaul: The Atletico Madrid brass held a “transfer summit” earlier this week, and identified Marco Verratti, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Amrabat, and Martin Zubimendi as primary midfield targets. (Marca)
Joao Felix being monitored: Manchester United, Newcastle, and Aston Villa are all keeping tabs on Joao Felix, who’s looked visibly frustrated upon his return to Atletico training and would welcome a fresh start. (Metro)
Double swoop for Forest: Nottingham Forest are working to sign both Willian and Anthony Elanga. Fulham are still trying to retain the Brazilian, who’s also of interest to Saudi Arabian clubs. (The Times)
Leipzig make a big splash: RB Leipzig have struck a €43-million deal with RC Lens to sign striker Lois Openda. The fee could eventually hit €49 million if performance bonuses are met. (L’Equipe)
Barca still active: If Barcelona fail in their pursuit of Bernardo Silva, the Catalan club will turn its attention to crafty Argentine Giovani Lo Celso, who spent last season on loan at Villarreal from Tottenham. (Mundo Deportivo)
Come to Besiktas: Besiktas submitted a modest €2.5-million offer for Arsenal center-back Rob Holding. That bid doesn’t meet the Gunners’ valuation and will be rejected. (The Athletic)
Lazio’s backup striker search: Lazio are looking for some insurance behind Ciro Immobile, and their primary target right now is Valentin “Taty” Castellanos of New York City FC. He would cost around €12 million. (Gianluca Di Marzio)
July 12
Pogba next in line: Paul Pogba, recently in Saudi Arabia, was offered a three-year contract worth €100 million. Both Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli are pushing to sign the French midfielder, but he wants to remain in Turin. (Tuttosport)
Bayern exodus: Bayern Munich are trying to offload seven players, including Sadio Mane, Benjamin Pavard, Gravenberch, Yann Sommer, and Marcel Sabitzer, in order to land Tottenham’s Kane. (Sky Sport Germany)
Big Ange the salesman: New Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou will try to convince Kane to remain in north London. Part of his sales pitch could include a handsome new contract worth £400,000 per week. (Telegraph)
Hendo could leave: Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is leaning toward accepting an offer from Al-Ettifaq that would quadruple his wages. Steven Gerrard, the manager of the Saudi club, is driving the pursuit. (The Athletic)
Chelsea still trimming squad: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Hakim Ziyech have been informed that they shouldn’t return to training until next week as the Blues look to find suitors for both out-of-favor players. (Daily Mail)
Alex Pantling / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Spurs’ new midfield: Tottenham could attempt to sign Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher. He’s viewed as an ideal replacement for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg if the Dane moves to Atletico Madrid or a German club. (Telegraph)
Osimhen’s price tag: Outspoken Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis says only PSG can afford Victor Osimhen, adding he’ll only entertain an offer around €200 million for the Nigerian striker. (90min)
Tug-of-war for Zielinski: With Sergej Milinkovic-Savic now Saudi Arabia-bound, Lazio are eyeing Napoli’s Piotr Zielinski. But the Polish midfielder has also been offered a big contract from an unnamed Saudi club. (Calciomercato)
Mitrovic wants out: Fulham rejected a £25.5-million offer from Al-Hilal for striker Aleksandar Mitrovic. The 28-year-old Serbian, who led Fulham with 14 league goals last season, is open to joining the Saudi team. (The Guardian)
The race for Veiga: Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga is being followed by most of Europe’s top clubs this summer. Arsenal are the latest to show interest in the 21-year-old phenom, joining Spurs and Chelsea. (Le10Sport)
Ndiaye to France: Marseille are in “advanced” negotiations with Iliman Ndiaye over a five-year contract. Once personal terms are agreed, the French club will negotiate a fee with Sheffield United. (Fabrizio Romano)
Ramsey reunion: Cardiff City are trying to fight off Saudi interest to bring Aaron Ramsey back to the Welsh capital. The midfielder, who played last season at Nice, is a product of Cardiff’s youth academy. (The Guardian)
July 11
Saudis land another star: Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is joining Al-Hilal in a €40-million transfer from Lazio. The imposing Serbian, the latest star to make the lucrative move, will sign a three-year contract. (Fabrizio Romano)
Big Bernardo Silva offer: Al-Hilal have informed Manchester City that they’re willing to fork over €70 million for the versatile Portuguese international, who has been one of the hottest names on the market this summer. (CBS Sports)
Kane wants Bayern: Tottenham superstar Kane, already the subject of two Bayern Munich bids – both rejected by Spurs – is keen on joining the Bundesliga champions. A third offer is being considered. (Julien Laurens)
Onana signing close: Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana’s transfer to Manchester United is “advanced” and could be completed as early as this week once all the necessary documents have been finalized. (Daily Mail)
Lukaku saga rumbles on: The Belgian striker has been told he doesn’t have to report for preseason training until next week, with Chelsea hopeful a deal with Inter can be sealed before then. (Matt Law)
Maguire won’t come cheap: He may no longer be a key member of the team, but Manchester United will still demand around £50 million this summer for much-maligned defender Harry Maguire. (Manchester Evening News)
Cherki to replace Pulisic: With Christian Pulisic on his way to AC Milan, Chelsea are preparing an offer for Lyon’s Rayan Cherki. The 19-year-old has a contract until 2025 and is valued at €40 million by the French side. (ESPN)
Reece James’ loyalty: Despite interest from Real Madrid, Chelsea right-back James has pledged his allegiance to the Blues. The 23-year-old wants to become the new captain at Stamford Bridge. (Beautiful Game Podcast)
Caicedo talks up Chelsea: Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo called Chelsea a “very big, historic and beautiful club” amid rumors of a potential transfer. The two clubs are engaged in talks. (El Universo)
Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Chelsea’s striker search: For all the money already spent under Todd Boehly’s reign, Chelsea still need a striker. Their current targets are Elye Wahi of Montpellier and Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic. (Evening Standard)
Juve’s contingency plan: Juventus have identified West Ham’s Gianluca Scamacca and Noah Okafor of Red Bull Salzburg as potential replacements if Vlahovic leaves Turin this summer. (Gianluca Di Marzio)
Barca looking to offload: After a disappointing 2022-23 season, Ferran Torres could be loaned out by Barcelona. The club would be willing to include a purchase option for any interested suitors, too. (Diario Sport)
PSG ready to make another splash: Paris Saint-Germain, already one of the busiest teams in the summer window, are leading the race for Randal Kolo Muani, the 24-year-old striker from Eintracht Frankfurt. (The Independent)
Liverpool want Schuurs: Torino center-back Perr Schuurs, 23, is being monitored by Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool, who are looking to add defensive depth without breaking the bank. (Football Insider)
ASM could be sold: Newcastle could sacrifice winger Allan Saint-Maximin, a fan favorite at St. James’ Park, to help fund a move for Harvey Barnes, who is expected to leave Leicester City after relegation. (The Telegraph)
Milan active on multiple fronts: AC Milan are working to strike a deal for midfielder Tijjani Reijnders of AZ Alkmaar, while the Rossoneri are also monitoring both Mehdi Taremi and Samuel Chukwueze. (Gianluca Di Marzio)
Angelino on the move again: The left-back’s nomadic career is set to continue at Galatasaray after the Turkish club agreed to sign him from RB Leipzig on loan with a purchase option. (Fabrizio Romano)
July 10
The Mbappe domino effect: Should Kylian Mbappe depart PSG this summer amid his contract standoff, the French giants would turn around and submit an opulent offer for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Man United eyeing Amrabat: Manchester United are monitoring Fiorentina’s Moroccan international Amrabat. While a move isn’t advanced right now, it could become a “hot topic” later in the window. (Florian Plettenberg)
Hojlund talks ongoing: The Red Devils are hot on the heels of Rasmus Hojlund and are preparing a second bid after their initial €40-million offer was rebuffed. Atalanta want €60 million for the 20-year-old Dane. (Nicolo Schira)
Emilio Andreoli / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Timber’s deal done: Jurrien Timber’s move from Ajax to Arsenal is only missing the official announcement. The Dutch defender, 22, completed his Arsenal medical before returning home for a farewell party. (Metro)
Mourinho eyes reunion: Jose Mourinho wants to reunite with Scott McTominay at Roma. The Portuguese boss is a big admirer of the Scottish midfielder from their time together at Manchester United. (Football Transfers)
Gerrard recruiting Zaha: New Al-Ettifaq coach Steven Gerrard talked with Wilfried Zaha in an effort to convince the free agent to head to Saudi Arabia. Zaha, 30, has an offer on the table to return to Crystal Palace. (Daily Mail)
Wolfsburg won’t budge: If Tottenham don’t meet the £40-million valuation for defender Micky van de Ven, Wolfsburg will happily keep hold of the young Dutchman for another season. (Wolfsburger Allgemeine)
