The legendary Bayern Munich icon Lothar Matthäus has reignited speculation about a potential return of Josko Gvardiol to the Allianz Arena. The Croatian defender, currently plying his trade at Manchester City, could soon find himself back in the Bundesliga.
« I’ve been keeping an eye on a player, and I’ve heard the club has already taken initial steps, » Matthäus revealed in a recent interview. « It’s an ex-Leipzig player who now plays for Manchester City—a left-back or center-back. » His remarks strongly suggest Bayern’s interest in Gvardiol, a player he explicitly named.
Bayern already boasts a strong defensive duo with Jonathan Tah and Dayot Upamecano, but a potential departure could open a spot. Min-jae Kim, currently the third-choice center-back and rumored to be leaving, may make way for Gvardiol. However, the Croatian’s willingness to accept a backup role behind Tah and Upamecano remains uncertain.
At 24, Gvardiol is determined to secure a starting position, and his contract with Manchester City runs until 2028, which could drive up the transfer fee. City paid €90 million for him in 2023, and his Bundesliga experience with RB Leipzig—where he made 87 appearances between 2021 and 2023—makes him a prime target. Though he has been a regular starter at City, a tibia fracture sidelined him from January to May, though he recently returned in a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Another advantage for Bayern: unlike Tah and Upamecano, Gvardiol is left-footed, offering tactical flexibility as a left-back or center-back.
