Barcelona explored move for Man City defender Josko Gvardiol

Barcelona investigated the possibility of signing Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol last season, but the Croatian defender had no interest in leaving the Premier League champions. Barcelona had identified Gvardiol as a preferred defensive option and expressed interest towards the end of 2025, appreciating his ability to play both centre-back and left-back.

However, it soon became clear that a transfer would be challenging due to Gvardiol's reluctance to leave City and the club's intention to offer him a more lucrative contract. Gvardiol, 24, was a regular under Pep Guardiola and continued to be a key player under Enzo Maresca. Despite Barcelona's initial pursuit, the defender signed a new five-year contract with City in July, securing his position at the Etihad until June 2031.

This deal, which includes an improved salary, highlights Gvardiol's versatility and value to the club, as he has made 122 appearances for City, scoring 13 goals and winning six major honors. While Barcelona's initial interest might resurface if City were to alter their squad due to financial implications, Gvardiol's commitment to City at present appears strong.