Real Madrid calling – Man City star closing in on summer exit from Etihad Stadium

Josko Gvardiol to Real Madrid: Los Blancos Eye Croatia Star as Defensive Crisis Deepens

Real Madrid‘s summer rebuild is gathering serious momentum. According to a report by AS, as covered by GOAL, Florentino Perez has identified Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol as a priority target as he looks to strengthen a defence hit by injuries and deep uncertainty. The Josko Gvardiol to Real Madrid link is no longer speculative noise; it carries real significance this window.

Gvardiol has made it known that he would welcome a move to the Spanish giants, and Madrid view the Croatia international as an attractive option because of his quality and versatility, although any deal would depend on the financial conditions involved. The context behind this interest is straightforward. With the departures of David Alaba and Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao sidelined with a long-term injury, physical concerns surrounding Antonio Rudiger, and the uncertain future of Raul Asencio, Madrid’s coaching staff faces a genuine shortage of defensive options.

Josko Gvardiol to Real Madrid: Why the Croatian Fits Madrid’s Needs

Gvardiol’s versatility is his greatest asset in the eyes of the Madrid hierarchy. He is one of the world’s premier centre-backs, yet equally adept at playing as a left-back, a two-for-one capability that is particularly attractive given that Fran Garcia is tipped for a summer exit and Ferland Mendy’s fitness continues to be a major question mark. Having already secured agreements for Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries, the Spanish giants are now looking to go all out for the Croatian centre-back.

The obstacle, however, is significant. City spent €90 million to sign Gvardiol from RB Leipzig in 2023 and will not let him go cheaply. Madrid are willing to make a significant effort to land the 24-year-old, though they are wary of paying an out-of-market price.

Josko Gvardiol to Real Madrid: What Maresca Should Do and What Will Actually Happen

This is where the decision becomes genuinely interesting. Enzo Maresca has agreed a three-year contract in principle to replace Guardiola, and Manchester City are determined to hold onto Gvardiol ahead of the 2026-27 season. Keeping him is absolutely the right call. Gvardiol only made 25 appearances during the 2025-26 season due to a broken leg, and with Marc Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov forming an excellent partnership at centre-back, Maresca faces a huge decision on whether to sanction a sale or keep him as a key option.

Also read: 3 reasons City made a mistake appointing Maresca as boss

A fit Gvardiol is irreplaceable, and selling him to fund a rebuild makes no sense when the player himself covers two positions. Maresca needs depth and quality across his back line, not less of it. Yet the story does not end there. Gvardiol has broken his silence on the speculation, insisting he is happy at City while leaving the door open to a potential departure after the World Cup. That kind of carefully worded ambiguity rarely signals someone who intends to stay.

Realistically, if Gvardiol pushes firmly for an exit after the World Cup, City will listen to offers if the player expresses a firm desire to leave, as part of a major squad revamp under Maresca. Madrid are already interested, and the Josko Gvardiol to Real Madrid transfer could well become the defining deal of this summer window.