Man City defender could exit after Josko Gvardiol offer update - pundit

By Paul Robinson

16th Dec, 2022 | 10:12am

Pundit: Ruben Dias could quit Man City after offer update - 'it will be a major concern'

Paul Robinson has suggested a centre-half could exit Man City next year if RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol arrives for big money.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs and England number one said keeping all the existing centre-halves happy “will be a major concern” if the 20-year-old signs.

Gvardiol starred for Croatia at the World Cup in Qatar.

French outlet Foot Mercato reported on 12 December that Man City, Man United and Chelsea are chasing the centre-half’s signature.

All three clubs are said to be willing to pay north of £80million to secure his signature.

Pep Guardiola already has John Stones, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Ake at his disposal.

When asked by Football Insider if Gvardiol’s arrival would change the landscape at the Etihad, Robinson said: “It would be a lot of centre-halves to have.

“Every one of those has got a mistake in them though. It does not seem like Pep Guardiola has a settled centre-half partnership that he wants to play week in, week out.

“One of them might make way if Gvardiol comes in. Ake brings pace and athleticism and he can play at left-back so maybe he would stay.

“Nathan Ake has got a bit more game time this season for Man City. He looks a better player for country than club though. He looks more comfortable playing in a three.

“Look, City can afford to amass top-class players so long as they can keep them all happy. That will be the major concern.”

In other news, Robinson has issued a ‘dream’ Man City claim after Bernardo Silva interview reveal.