Blow for Barcelona as Manchester City optimistic on renewing defensive target’s contract | OneFootball

Barcelona had defensive issues throughout the 2025/26 campaign, and everything indicates that the club are looking to use the transfer market to address this concern.

Among the many names on the club’s shortlist, one player they have been linked with is Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol, with Barcelona even preparing an €80 million offer for him.

However, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City are increasingly confident of securing Gvardiol’s long-term future after presenting the Croatian defender with an improved contract proposal.

For Barcelona, this comes as a blow. The deal was already complicated due to Real Madrid’s interest in the Croatian, but it now looks like neither of the La Liga giants will be able to sign him this summer.

Manchester City looking to remove uncertainty

Man City confident of securing Gvardiol’s renewal. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

At his age and considering his profile, Gvardiol fits almost everything Barcelona look for in a modern defender: quality in possession, versatility, athleticism and experience at the highest level.

However, by offering improved terms, Manchester City are looking to strip away the uncertainty and protect their asset for the long run.

The Premier League champions may be moving into a new era under Enzo Maresca, but they are a very well-run club and have the resources to offer improved terms to tie Gvardiol down to a fresh contract.

Barcelona may need to look elsewhere

If Gvardiol puts pen to paper on a new contract, that would effectively mean that it is time for Barcelona to look elsewhere.

Unlikely to arrive at Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Even if there was admiration for Gvardiol, any potential operation would already have been extremely difficult financially.

City’s determination to tie him down to a new contract, along with Madrid’s interest, if anything, proves that Barcelona were after the right player this summer.

However, it will now be time for Deco to identify alternatives whom the club can move for, and who could come in and bolster the backline for Hansi Flick.