Man City find ‘loophole’ to avoid Josko Gvardiol add-ons as RB Leipzig transfer nears completion

Manchester City have found a loophole to avoid paying add-ons in their deal to bring RB Leipzig man Josko Gvardiol to the Etihad Stadium.

Over the last few weeks, City and Leipzig have been locked in intense negotiation as they look to agree a deal for the transfer of Gvardiol.

On Wednesday afternoon, it was widely reported that a fee of €90 million has been agreed between the two clubs.

As the transfer edges ever closer to completion, more details surrounding the structure of the deal have emerged.

According to German news outlet BILD, instead of paying performance-related add-ons within the deal, City will instead play a friendly match against Leipzig, with all money made from the match going to the Bundesliga side.

According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Gvardiol is undergoing his medical tests.

He said: “Joško Gvardiol is doing a medical test. Hopefully, we can finish the deal in the next few days.”

On other potential new signings, Guardiola said: “I don’t know if we are finished in the transfer market, still some more I think”

Ahead of Gvardiol’s move to City, fellow Croatian international Mateo Kovacic said: “Of course I’d like him (Gvardiol) to join. I know he’s very young and has great potential. He can come here and learn and be the best version of himself, like he wants to be for sure.

“It’s not for me to comment if it’s going to happen or not. I’d obviously like it – I’m good friends with him and he’s Croatian. It would be nice to have a Croatian by my side here.”

He added: “Josko is still young but he’s very mature for his age. He doesn’t need too much advice. He’s already played a lot of big games and I think he’s ready for this step."