Third club emerges in race for Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol

Third club emerges in race for Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol Barcelona ‘vying intensely’ for Gvardiol with a concrete contract offer on the table City are ‘completely blocking’ all offers & are focused on extending his contract Barcelona are offering over €80M plus bonuses for the Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol has three options on the table when it comes to his future this summer, with Manchester City focused on extending his Etihad Stadium contract. Barcelona have now entered the picture as a third genuine contender for Gvardiol’s signature, having previously been linked with the Croatian since the start of the year. The development complicates a situation that had appeared to be moving firmly in City’s favour, with Fabrizio Romano having reported this week that the club are optimistic of receiving the 24-year-old’s personal green light on an improved contract offer. Barcelona eyeing move for Josko Gvardiol despite Manchester City efforts to keep defender City have held a minimum valuation of €90 million for Gvardiol throughout the summer, with director of football Hugo Viana and incoming manager Enzo Maresca both viewing the Croatia international as a cornerstone of their defensive plans for the 2026-27 season. Report: Barcelona vying intensely as City block all offers As per Fussball Transfers , a third club still has a chance of having Gvardiol’s services from the start of next season, with Barcelona vying intensely for the Croatia international defender and a concrete contract offer on the table from the Catalan club. However, it is claimed that Barcelona are offering a transfer fee of over €80 million plus bonuses, with Manchester City currently completely blocking any offers and focused entirely on extending Gvardiol ‘s contract at the Etihad Stadium. The €80 million figure is notably below City’s stated minimum valuation and is unlikely to move the needle with Viana, who has been consistent throughout the summer in his determination to keep the defender. It had previously been mapped out Gvardiol’s options as a straight choice between a new City deal and a move to Real Madrid , with Bayern Munich ruled out entirely – meaning Barcelona’s emergence as a concrete third option adds a fresh dimension to a saga that had appeared close to resolution. What is the wider context for Gvardiol’s future? City’s position of completely blocking offers while simultaneously pushing for a contract renewal is a clear sign of where the club’s priorities lie, with Viana unwilling to allow the situation to drift while Gvardiol is representing Croatia at the FIFA World Cup in North America. Revealed: Josko Gvardiol’s two options on Manchester City future with Bayern Munich ruled out It was reported earlier this week that the latest indications point to the defender staying, with the Croatian settled in Manchester and at the club. Direct talks between Gvardiol and Maresca are expected to take place once the World Cup concludes, with those conversations likely to be decisive in determining whether the improved contract offer is accepted or whether Barcelona or Real Madrid are handed an opening to press their case.