Barcelona advised to target Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol, reports say

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is expected to ask the club to recruit a left-footed central defender during the winter transfer window.

According to El Nacional, former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has recommended Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol to the club’s sporting director, Deco.

The Croatia international is seen as a player with the qualities Flick values in a centre-back and could form a strong partnership with Pau Cubarsi at the heart of Barcelona’s defence.

“Such a combination would make a great deal of sense. Cubarsi stands out for his reading of the game, his ability to anticipate danger and his capacity to start attacks, while Gvardiol would add power, pace and physical strength,” the report said.

Gvardiol’s experience of defending with significant space behind him is also considered an important factor. Barcelona regularly operate with a high defensive line, meaning their central defenders must be comfortable covering large areas and dealing with counter-attacks.

The main obstacle to any potential transfer would be the financial cost. Transfermarkt values Gvardiol at 70m euros, although the final fee could be higher.

The defender’s contract with Manchester City runs until the middle of 2031, leaving the Premier League club in a strong negotiating position if Barcelona make an approach.

Any move would therefore depend not only on Flick’s preference for a left-footed central defender, but also on whether Barcelona could meet Manchester City’s asking price for a player tied to the club for several more seasons.