Reported Liverpool transfer target Josko Gvardiol has not offered himself to Real Madrid.
That’s according to journalist Christian Falk. Writing for Caught Offside today, Falk moved to deny claims that Gvardiol was keen to move to the European Champions. Instead, the Croatian defender is still very much open to joining a Premier League club. And Liverpool in particular.
“The rumours that Josko Gvardiol has offered himself to Real Madrid are not true. He’s very relaxed at the moment and the plan is that he should stay put until 2024. But, you know, his future can still be a topic up for discussion this summer,” said the journalist.
“I think it’s getting interesting in terms of what Liverpool and Chelsea are doing. Gvardiol has made no secret of the fact that his favourite club as a child was Liverpool and that he was always dreaming of moving there. When we see what is happening at Liverpool at the moment, it’s clear they need players in this position.
“He’s keeping an eye on the Premier League, of course. If Real Madrid come in, it’s also interesting for him but he hasn’t offered himself to the club. We have to also see if Real Madrid’s interest is serious. I’m not sure on that point as they’ve already got good players in this position, so I would keep on Premier League clubs at the moment.”
The way things are going, Liverpool could do with a new defender right now. By summer 2024, they absolutely most certainly will need one. This is definitely something to keep an eye on.
Stars lining up for Gvardiol’s dream move
The timing of Gvardiol’s exit from RB Leipzig could be absolutely perfect for Liverpool. As Falk alludes to, the 21-year-old is already near certain to stay at his current club until 2024.
After an exceptional World Cup, there were suggestions that the Croatia international could cost something approaching £100m.
But having settled back into life at Leipzig, it would be a surprise to see a fee like that come about. One year on, it’s likely that the asking price would be far more reasonable.
With no major international tournament between now and then, Gvardiol won’t have the chance to raise his profile too much more. He’ll still be expensive, but he’s a ‘special’ player – according to Paul Merson anyway. With Virgil van Dijk turning thirty-three in 2024, the Reds may be willing to spend big on a successor to the Dutchman.
And then, of course, there’s the fact that Gvardiol is a self-confessed Liverpool fan.
Should the Reds be seriously interested in bringing him to Anfield, that will surely tip the discussions in their favour. Liverpool also have a stellar relationship with Leipzig after doing business with them in the past. Perhaps we may see a Naby Keita-style signing for the centre-back? Let’s wait and see.