‘Josko Gvardiol concerns push Man City towards Theo Hernandez signing’
Josko Gvardiol is the reason that Man City are now set to rival Real Madrid for the signing of Theo Hernandez.
The Croatian joined Man City from RB Leipzig in August 2023 for a fee of £77.6million [Sky Sports], beating out the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid.
Despite being heralded as one of the world’s most talented centre-backs, Pep Guardiola has used the Croatian international as a left-back for the majority of his two seasons in Manchester.
This has, in large part, been a consequence of the weakness of the position for City, thanks to the sudden exit of Joao Cancelo, following his shunning by the Spanish manager.
However, there are growing concerns that Gvardiol’s continued use at left-back could have a negative impact on his development, according to The Times.
Man City in need of world-class centre-backs
Jamie Carragher was slated for including Gvardiol in his team of the season so far back in December, but the former Leipzig defender’s offensive performances have been stellar this campaign.
However, despite growing into the role, there are concerns that playing full-back is actually hindering the Croatian’s abilities to defend.
The 23-year-old was made to look silly by Kylian Mbappe when Real Madrid and City met in February, and there were calls from fans of the Sky Blues to see Gvardiol dropped for his performance against Feyenoord, when the Dutch side came from 3-0 down, to draw 3-3.
| 2024/25 Premier League stats | Gvardiol |
| Appearances | 28 |
| Starts | 27 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Yellow cards | 1 |
| Minutes | 2,470 |
The former Dinamo Zagreb centre-back was signed as one of the world’s top young defenders, but the circumstances at the Etihad have forced him to adapt, and as a consequence City and Gvardiol, are losing out on his abilities to marshal a backline.
Whilst the fullback role is an important position, the best sides in the world are built with a core of strong centre-halves, you only have to look up the Premier League table to see a Liverpool side with Virgil van Dijk as the foundation of their side, or Arsenal‘s talented pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel.
Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis were signed in January, but both have shown themselves to be un-ready for the demands of anchoring City’s side yet.
With Gvardiol entering his peak, the Sky Blues should make the move the find his replacement at left-back in the summer transfer window, allowing the Croatian to fulfil his promise in the heart of Guardiola’s backline.
Theo Hernandez will replicate Josko Gvardiol’s attacking output
Moving Gvardiol inside to play at centre-back leaves the left-back spot open once again, unless Nathan Ake steps in, but now one of the world’s best left-backs is on the market.
Hernandez has blossomed since leaving Real Madrid, and was a key player in AC Milan’s Serie A title in the 2021/22 season.
The 27-year-old has had only one season registering under 10 goals and assists combined, since moving to Italy, and has shown himself to be more than capable of matching Gvardiol’s offensive output.
However, with a contract expiring in 2026, and the Rossoneri floundering, Milan are looking to cash-in on the France international, making him a relatively affordable option.
Man City have been linked with a move for Hernandez, but will have to move quickly, with Los Blancos keen on re-signing their former player.
Winning the race would prove to be a doubly-sound investment if it lands a top full-back and ensures the money paid for Gvardiol then pays off centrally as well.