Liverpool reportedly like RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, but any deal to sign the Croatian international could be in vein due to the centre-back’s price tag.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Reds are fans of the 21-year-old, who this season has established himself as one of the best young players in all of Europe having played a key role in Croatia’s run to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals and to Leipzig’s DFB Pokal victory.
As a result, Gvardiol heads into this summer as one of the hottest properties on the market, and Liverpool are interested in the defender. However, with a rumoured asking price as high as £85m, it makes sense why Jurgen Klopp’s side are not pushing for the centre-back.
Liverpool’s fifth-place finish and lack of UEFA Champions League revenue has severely hindered the Reds’ spending power this summer. And as a result, signings have to be carefully thought out and planned perfectly, meaning Gvardiol could be viewed as too risky a deal.
Indeed, even with Liverpool in need of a central defender, few fans would agree that a fee as high as £85m on Gvardiol would be a wise use of funds despite the centre-back’s immense quality. And this decision could be key as the summer progresses.
Liverpool live to regret missing out on Gvardiol
Liverpool are ultimately making the right decision in not pursuing Gvardiol due to Leipzig’s demands. Yet just like with Jude Bellingham, there’s always going to be a hint of ‘what if’, with the Croat arguably the best young defender in world football.
As we know, Liverpool are in need of a left-sided defender, and with Gvardiol the perfect signing for such a profile, the Reds could live to regret not pushing the boat out for the 21-year-old, who Danny Mills lauded as ‘unbelievable’ via Sky Sports News.
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