Revealed: Why Josko Gvardiol wants to leave Manchester City | OneFootball

New reports from Croatia have explained why Josko Gvardiol could be set for a Manchester City exit this summer.

The uncertainty surrounding defensive positions arrives at a time when City’s recruitment hierarchy are already working around the clock to action transfer plans whilst also managing situations of potential exits from their first-team squad.

This week alone has seen the club threaten legal action against Spanish presidential election campaigning involving Erling Haaland, and a supposed agreement with Real Madrid, as well as growing interest from Tottenham in Brazilian winger Savinho.

Now, this sudden friction from the Croatian international’s camp threatens to severely test the club’s post-Guardiola resolve just days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament officially gets underway in North America, where Gvardiol himself will feature prominently.

Josko Gvardiol’s uncertain Man City future explained

According to Croatian outlet Sportske Novosti, Josko Gvardiol wants to leave Manchester City owing to the departure of Pep Guardiola as the club’s manager, with the Catalan coach said to be ‘the key factor’ in bringing the defender to the club in 2023.

Despite the intent from the player, it is made clear that City will ‘not give up without a fight’ and ‘do not want to show weakness’ after Guardiola’s exit by preparing a new, ‘more financially generous’ contract to try and convince the centre-back to stay at the Etihad Stadium.

However, in the event of any possible transfer, it is stated that City will certainly not ask for less than what they paid RB Leipzig – around €90 million.

How will this situation end for Gvardiol and Man City?

The uncompromising financial baseline drawn out by sporting director Hugo Viana highlights Manchester City’s determination to preserve their elite standing at the pinnacle of European football, retaining key stars in the process.

Josko Gvardiol’s defensive flexibility and ball-carrying metrics have positioned him as a target for the continent’s biggest footballing institutions, including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, meaning any perceived vulnerability from the Etihad Stadium could spark a bidding war.

Incoming manager Enzo Maresca will be eager to personally discuss the feature with Gvardiol when he reassembles at the City Football Academy for pre-season training in late July, or early August in Far-East Asia for their international tour.