RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose has insisted centre-back Josko Guardiol is not for sale this summer.
The 21-year-old was targeted by Chelsea last summer and the Blues will remain keen in 2023, while the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid are known to be admirers of the Croatian World Cup star.
Recently, Guardiol confirmed his desire to play in the Premier League in the future and even specifically admitted that he would like to continue working with French forward Christopher Nkuko, who is set to join Chelsea at the end of the season. Agreed to.
His comments have reignited speculation surrounding him but Rose has warned Guardiola suitors that the defender is not going anywhere.
“Josco Guardiola will be a RB Leipzig player next season,” Rose said. “He’s happy here.
He said he wants to play in the Premier League but did not say when.
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Rose’s comments come after Leipzig sporting director Max Eberl also vowed to keep Guardiola on beyond the summer of 2024 despite growing interest in the centre-back.
“It’s not even our intention to let him go in the summer of 2024,” Eberle said.
“Beyond that, it’s hard to say. But we’re definitely planning with him for the next year and a half.”
Guardiol recently extended his contract with Leipzig until 2027, giving him considerable control over his future in the Bundesliga. Reports have suggested suitors would have to make him the most expensive defender ever to even stand a chance of striking a deal.