Newcastle icon Alan Shearer has told BBC Sport’s coverage of Croatia taking on Japan that Leipzig star Josko Gvardiol would “look good in a black and white shirt”, amid many reports that Tottenham and Chelsea want to sign him soon.
Gvardiol’s reputation was already high in Europe. Even before the World Cup, he had Premier League interest in his services. His form at Leipzig since joining the Bundesliga club has been eye-catching, playing 65 times in Germany.
But it is his form at the World Cup in Qatar that is taking his reputation to new heights. Italian outlet Corriere Dello Sport claim his value is only rising, to a potential £68m. Chelsea remain keen and Spurs are intensifying their pursuit.
He has played every single minute of Croatia’s campaign so far, and will start against Japan in the last 16. Discussing a wonderful World Cup so far for the centre-back, Shearer briefly said: “He would look good in a black and white shirt.”
Newcastle icon Shearer says Gvardiol would look good in black and white
He would. But The Toon already have a superb left-sided centre-back in the form of Dutch ace Sven Botman. A summer signing from Lille, he has been crucial in a defence that is joint-best, currently, in the Premier League so far in 22-23.
Gvardiol is the type of signing the Newcastle owners will consider. Young, between the ages of 20 and 25. But also, experienced and starring on the biggest stage. Similar, to the likes of signings Alex Isak, Bruno Guimaraes and Botman.
Whether Newcastle move for him remains to be seen. Also, whether Gvardiol would consider the Toon given the clubs that are also keen, such as Spurs and Chelsea. If his form continues, you would expect even bigger sides to take a look.
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