It was only during the final hours of the transfer window that Chelsea admitted defeat. Discussions had been held, tentative proposals were put forward, and yet there was no indication RB Leipzig were prepared to lose another of their standout talents to the Premier League.
The Blues had pushed hard in their pursuit of Josko Gvardiol, viewed as a potential long-term successor to Thiago Silva, whose contract expires in the summer. Still, Leipzig stood firm on their wish to keep the 20-year-old. And it felt pointed that on transfer deadline day, as Chelsea scrambled to complete two signings, the Bundesliga side announced the Croatia international had agreed a new contract.
“I am very grateful to the club’s executives for including me in their long-term plans and want to continue their path with me on board," Gvardiol said. “I am very happy to have signed an early contract extension through 2027 because there is a lot more that I want to achieve with RB Leipzig."
