As Manchester City prepares for the upcoming 2023/24 season, they are set to bolster their squad with the additions of two Croatian stars, Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol.
With several key players entering the final year of their contracts or uncertain about their futures, Pep Guardiola aims to reinforce his team with a backup plan.
Mateo Kovacic, a highly regarded midfielder, has already agreed to personal terms with Manchester City. The Premier League champions need only offer a reasonable price to secure the services of this Chelsea pillar.
Known for his exceptional passing, dribbling, and assists, Kovacic could directly fill the void left by the potential departure of Ilkay Gundogan, who has been linked with a move to Barcelona.
Josko Gvardiol is another main target for Manchester City in the transfer market. The club is reportedly looking to recruit the young Croatian center-back to bolster their three-man defense.
In order to make this deal happen, Man City is expected to sell Aymeric Laporte and potentially make Gvardiol the most expensive central defender in history. Currently, the record is held by Harry Maguire, who joined Manchester United in 2019 for £80 million.
At just 21 years old, Gvardiol has already established himself as a key player for both RB Leipzig and the Croatian national team. He emerged as one of the top center-backs in the Bundesliga last season, making 41 appearances and contributing three goals.
Gvardiol’s impressive performances extended to the 2022 World Cup, where he showcased outstanding statistics. According to Opta, he recorded the highest number of tackles (37), ball recoveries (48), and successful passes (202) among all defenders in the tournament.
Manchester City’s potential dream squad for the 2023/24 season includes the acquisitions of Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol, who are set to strengthen the team’s midfield and defensive lines, respectively.
The club’s pursuit of these Croatian talents showcases their determination to maintain their status as Premier League champions.
With their exceptional skills and contributions to their respective clubs and national team, Kovacic and Gvardiol have the potential to elevate Manchester City’s performance in the upcoming season.