Manchester United made a statement during the summer transfer window by beating Real Madrid to the signature of Lille wonderkid Leny Yoro.
Yoro was tipped to secure a transfer to the Bernabeu, but the Red Devils convinced him to join them.
Patrick Berger now reports that United and Madrid are vying to sign Croatian starlet Martin Baturina from Dinamo Zagreb.
Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has reportedly urged Los Blancos to consider a move for his compatriot.
In our view, United can repeat the Yoro feat by signing Baturina ahead of the Champions League holders.
Baturina would be a superb long-term signing
The 21-year-old is one of the best attacking midfielders in Croatian football. He had a fine 2023/24 season with 17 goal contributions to his name.
Baturina has started the new campaign in better fashion with five assists from eight appearances.
The youngster was part of Zagreb’s 9-2 Champions League humbling at Bayern Munich this week, but he was hailed as a ‘strong player‘ by Manuel Neuer.
Baturina had a passing accuracy of 92% at the Allianz Arena. He lost possession on just six occasions while drawing two fouls and winning three duels.
The Croatian should get better with age and experience. United could see him as an understudy to Bruno Fernandes before establishing himself as a starter.
Leeds United made a stunning £25 million offer on deadline day for Baturina last month, but the player had no intention of moving to the Championship.
In our view, his price could only increase in the ongoing season. We won’t be surprised if Zagreb hold out for £40m with United and Madrid interested in him.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
