Bayern munich transfer news: 90 million euro deal looms for croatian defender

Munich, Germany — The FC Bayern Munich could be on the verge of pulling off a blockbuster signing, with reports pointing to a potential €90 million move for a former Bundesliga standout. The club’s interest in Josko Gvardiol, the 24-year-old Croatian defender currently plying his trade at Manchester City, has sent shockwaves through European football circles.

According to Lothar Matthäus, the legendary former international and now pundit, the Bavarians have already taken concrete steps toward securing Gvardiol’s signature. Speaking following FC Bayern’s recent Bundesliga clash with 1. FC Cologne, Matthäus revealed: “I’ve identified a player and heard they’ve already made initial moves. A former Leipzig player who now plays for Manchester City—a left-back or central defender.”

The Croatian international, who made his name at RB Leipzig between 2021 and 2023, has been a consistent presence at City since his €90 million switch in 2023. However, a recent tibia fracture kept him sidelined from January to May, though he returned just in time for City’s 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace this week.

The Bavarian side already boasts a formidable defensive duo in Jonathan Tah and Dayot Upamecano, with Min-jae Kim serving as a reliable third option. With Kim rumored to be on his way out this summer, a spot could open up—but Gvardiol’s ambitions to be a first-choice player may complicate matters. His contract with Manchester City runs until 2028, which could drive up the transfer fee.

One of Gvardiol’s standout attributes is his versatility. While Tah and Upamecano are right-footed, the Croatian is left-footed and comfortable playing as either a left-back or a central defender, adding tactical flexibility to FC Bayern’s setup.

The club has also moved to clarify the future of Alexander Nübel, the 29-year-old goalkeeper currently on loan at VfB Stuttgart. Christoph Freund, the club’s sporting director, confirmed that Nübel does not feature in FC Bayern’s long-term plans. Despite his contract running until 2030, Stuttgart’s financial constraints may prevent a permanent transfer, leaving the goalkeeper’s future uncertain.

Meanwhile, Harry Kane has once again etched his name into Bundesliga history. The 32-year-old English striker, now in his third season with FC Bayern, has become the first player to finish as the league’s top scorer in each of his first three campaigns. With 36 goals this season—a tally he reached with a hat-trick in the 5-1 demolition of 1. FC Cologne—Kane has now surpassed 25 goals in every one of his first three Bundesliga seasons.