Despite Manchester City making several important signings during the winter transfer window, including Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez, Pep Guardiola will be busy this summer.
Kevin De Bruyne has announced that he is leaving the club, which could see the Spaniard hunt for a replacement, while there are other areas in the squad that need to be bolstered ahead of the 2025/26 season.
There have been rumours surrounding a few possible transfer targets for City leading into the summer window.
One such player plays for Tottenham Hotspur, but Guardiola is a fan.
The latest on Man City’s pursuit of Destiny Udogie
City are reportedly showing plenty of interest in making a move for Udogie this summer in a bid to bolster the left-back position ahead of next season.
Indeed, Fabrizio Romano reported at the back end of last week that they have added the Italian to their shortlist of summer options which also includes Andrea Cambiaso.
Much could depend on just how much Spurs value the 22-year-old, but according to Football Transfers, he is worth £51.5m and there is no doubt the north Londoners will be expecting more than this to part with him.
Udogie has shone when compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues. Indeed, the defender ranks in the top 9% for progressive passes (5.6), the top 10% for touches in the opposition penalty area (2.55) and in the top 4% for tackles (3.43) per 90 over the previous 365 days.
A pass is considered progressive if the distance between the starting point and the next touch is at least 10 meters closer to the opponent’s goal or any completed pass into the penalty area.
These statistics highlight just how good he is across both attacking and defensive metrics, which could certainly appeal to Guardiola ahead of next season.
The Man City star worth millions more than Udogie
City have unearthed a gem in Nico O’Reilly who has featured at left-back in recent weeks and he has done well to make that spot his own considering the man in front of him.
Indeed, competition was required for Josko Gvardiol at left-back who has been an inspired signing since moving to City.
According to Football Transfers, Gvardiol is now worth around £67m and this value should only continue to rise as the years go by.
Still only 23, the Croatia star joined City in the summer of 2023 and helped the club win their fourth successive Premier League title in his maiden season.
The £200k-per-week defender was hailed as a “Rolls-Royce” of a player by former teammate Kyle Walker and as the “Haaland of defenders” by scout Jacek Kulig, proving there is no doubt he is already one of the finest defenders in Europe.
|
Josko Gvardiol’s Premier League stats for Man City |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Metric (per 90) |
2023/24 |
2024/25 |
|
Accurate passes |
54.6 |
63.2 |
|
Tackles |
2 |
1.6 |
|
Total duels won |
4.8 |
4.4 |
|
Interceptions |
1 |
1.1 |
|
Ball recoveries |
5.4 |
4 |
|
Via Sofascore |
||
When compared to his fellow defensive peers, Gvardiol ranks in the top 2% for progressive passes (7.12), progressive carries (2.48) and successful take-ons (0.75) per 90 across Europe’s big five leagues.
Furthermore, he even ranks in the top 1% for touches in the attacking penalty area (2.54) per 90, proving how big of a threat he is in the final third.
With the defender not yet hitting his peak, it is scary to think just how good he can become under Guardiola over the next few years.
City have certainly hit the jackpot in signing Gvardiol, who is not only worth more than Udogie, but his market valuation will continue to rise, especially if he continues to deliver excellent performances on a consistent basis.
Related
Man City’s “top talent” showed in 27 touches why he can be the new Silva
During Manchester City’s comeback 5-2 victory over Crystal Palace, one youngster stood out, now being compared to club legend David Silva.
