Reported Chelsea target Josko Gvardiol’s release clause at RB Leipzig will not be active next summer, according to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg.
Having established himself as one of the most exciting talents in Europe in the last 18 months, Gvardiol caught even more attention with his performance in the 2022 World Cup for Croatia.
Transfer interest in the 20-year-old from a number of top clubs seems to be inevitable at this point.
Fortunately for Leipzig, they are in a very strong negotiating position. The former Dinamo Zagreb man signed a new long-term deal in September which ties him to the club until 2027.
The only thing keeping the German club from keeping the player for the next five years is the reported release clause in his contract.
Sky Germany’s Plettenberg, however, claims that the release clause will not be active for another year and a half.
“There is no exit clause for the summer of 2023,” the journalist told Sky Germany.
“That’s why everything currently indicates that Gvardiol will play at RB Leipzig in the coming season.
“In the case of Gvardiol, there are definitely exit options for 2024.”
Does this mean there is no chance for the interested parties, including Chelsea who reportedly already made an offer for the young defender? Obviously not.
Bear in mind, according to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea were prepared to pay above Christopher Nkunku’s release clause at Leipzig to beat of competition.
It remains unclear whether Chelsea’s new ownership group are willing to spend big on another centre-back after signing Wesley Fofana for a reported fee of £70million in the summer, but they certainly have the spending power to do so.
Sky Germany mentioned that there have been speculations that Gvardiol’s release clause is worth €110m (£96m) but the publication cannot confirm the rumoured figure.
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