RB Leipzig is talking tough over any potential deal with Manchester City for Croatian international Josko Gvardiol.
The German club’s director of sport Max Eberl spoke with the media from their preseason camp in Italy. Eberl informed the assembled media that an agreement between Manchester City and the German club wasn’t close at this stage of negotiations.
News from the Gvardiol saga: “There is no agreement with Manchester City. Not even close,” RB boss Max Eberl said today when asked by Sky. @SkySportDE pic.twitter.com/Gva7jDcAak
— Philipp Hinze (@philipphinze24) July 21, 2023
He went into further detail saying that the DFB Pokal winners don’t need the money for the club’s finances. The Leipzig boss added they would prefer to keep the Croatian international.
🗣️@RBLeipzig boss Max Eberl on Joško Gvardiol: „The fact is that @ManCity would like to have him. Currently we are still very far apart. The transfer of Szoboszlai has secured us financially. We don’t need the money. We would prefer Joško to stay.“ @SkySportDE pic.twitter.com/K9pN1zdpQF
— Philipp Hinze (@philipphinze24) July 21, 2023
Today’s developments come as a setback to the treble winners. Fabrizio Romano had earlier this week reported a verbal agreement had been reached between the two clubs.
The transfer expert went into further detail reporting that Gvardiol was scheduled to complete the second part of his medical with City late this week.
RB Leipzig now appear angry at recent reports on the Gvardiol deal and is now threatening to keep the player. Whether or not it is posturing from the German club, or they have changed their mind on selling the center-back remains to be seen.
The ongoing transfer saga threatens to drag on for some time yet. Manchester City would not doubt be hoping for a speedy resolution to the Gvardiol talks so he can join the club for the remainder of preseason.
