Barcelona pursued Josko Gvardiol before City's contract renewal

Barcelona expressed interest in Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol at the end of September 2026. Despite identifying him as a potential addition to bolster their defense, Barcelona ultimately withdrew their pursuit after Gvardiol opted to renew his contract with City. The Croatian, who can play both center-back and left-back, was deemed an integral part of Manchester City's plans, and his salary demands made a transfer unlikely. Following Gvardiol's contract renewal, Barcelona shifted their attention to Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan as an alternative option for strengthening their back line.

• 6:40 AMYahoo Sports — Barcelona made approach for 24-year-old defender before Manchester City handed him new deal