Just In: Man City battles Man United over £20m Croatian wonderkid nicknamed ‘Next Luka Modric’
Manchester City are in a heated race with Manchester United to sign Dinamo Zagreb’s Martin Baturina, a 21-year-old midfielder earning comparisons to Luka Modric. The Croatian starlet is valued at £20 million and has attracted interest from Europe’s elite clubs.
DETAILS:
Martin Baturina has been turning heads in the Croatian league with his standout performances for Dinamo Zagreb. Since making his first-team debut in 2021, the young midfielder has played 141 matches, scoring 18 goals and assisting 34 times. His sharp vision, calm passing, and ability to dictate play have drawn comparisons to Croatia’s all-time midfield maestro, Luka Modric.
City’s need for midfield reinforcements is growing. With Kevin De Bruyne still recovering from injury and out of contract next summer, and Rodri urging the club to add a new midfield dynamo, Martin Baturina could be a long-term solution.
However, the competition to sign him is fierce. Manchester United reportedly leads the charge among Premier League clubs, while Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Liverpool are also interested. PSG has even opened talks with Zagreb, aiming to seal a deal worth around £20 million.
Dinamo Zagreb, for their part, insists Baturina isn’t for sale, but the growing interest could make them reconsider.
QUOTES:
BeIN Sports described Baturina’s playing style as one that “amazes fans with his vision, precise passing, and ability to control the tempo of the game.” The publication emphasized that these qualities make him a natural heir to Modric.
Baturina’s qualities were praised further: “His performance in Zagreb has stood out in the Croatian league, earning him attention from the biggest clubs in Europe.”
Meanwhile, a source close to Manchester City said: “Signing a player like Martin Baturina would fit our long-term goals. His playing style is exactly what we need in a midfield rebuild.”
CITATIONS:
- BeIN Sports
- Caught Offside
- Football Insider
KEEP IN MIND:
Manchester City may have their work cut out for them. The fight to sign Baturina will involve big financial offers and careful negotiations, especially as PSG reportedly has a head start. However, if Baturina lives up to the comparisons with Luka Modric, City could be looking at their next midfield superstar.
Fans should stay tuned for updates as the January transfer window approaches, with this wonderkid’s future hanging in the balance.
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