RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol, who has been linked with a move to Tottenham since last summer’s transfer window, has admitted his desire to play in the Premier League.
Gvardiol was thought to be one of Spurs’ top targets for the left centre-back role last summer (Football.London) but the Croat ended up staying put at Leipzig, with the North London club snapping up Clement Lenglet on loan instead.
(Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
The centre-back’s value has undoubtedly skyrocketed in light of his impressive showing in the Bundesliga this season as well as his accomplished displays for Croatia at the World Cup in Qatar.
CalcioMercato.it reported earlier this month that while the 21-year-old is still on Tottenham’s radar, he might be financially out of reach for the Lilywhites, with Leipzig said to value him at a whopping €110m (£98m).
The report further revealed that Real Madrid is Gvardiol’s preferred destination and added that the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United also have their eyes on the centre-back.
The Leipzig star has now explained how Leeds wanted him before he made the switch to the Bundesliga, and admitted his desire to play in England.
Gvardiol told The Times: “I had two options, between Leeds and Leipzig. [Marcelo] Bielsa was the coach and I don’t know if you know this but my goal in my career is to play in the Premier League.
“I didn’t speak with Bielsa but of course, he sends a few people and they came to Zagreb. I met these guys and they show me it was something like a plan for how they see me in their style of football.
“I mean, when they presented it everything looked good and you could maybe see yourself there at that moment.
“I knew that I needed to take a few steps more before I get [to the Premier League] one day. At the end, Leipzig is a really good club and I feel good here. It’s important I play almost every game.”
Spurs Web Opinion
I have a feeling that the Tottenham hierarchy would have already started looking past Gvardiol and towards more realistic targets such as Alessandro Bastoni, Piero Hincapie and Even Ndicka.
There is little value for money in the deal if it is true that Leipzig want £100m for the Croat.
Have something to tell us about this article?
