Manchester United and Barcelona are set to go head-to-head for Martin Baturina as Real Madrid drop out of the race for the Croatian.
Manchester United & Barcelona Battle For Target As Real Madrid Drop Out
The Red Devils will have to battle Barcelona for the Dinamo Zagreb midfielder, after a move to Real Madrid is reportedly off the cards.
Los Blancos offered Baturina a five-year contract, but the Croatian rejected the deal as it was revealed that Madrid would loan him to another Spanish side for a minimum of two years.
This goes against Baturina’s intentions for his career, as the 21-year-old is looking to become a starting name at a top European side next season.
Ruben Amorim has now landed in Manchester and will take control of his first match in England after the international break.
However, reports also state that Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are interested in landing the Dinamo Zagreb midfielder’s signature.
The midfielder has reportedly highlighted a move to Germany as the next step for his career, making a deal between Zagreb and United harder to complete.
There is no release clause in Baturina’s current deal and an exact transfer fee is yet to be confirmed – but he could cost a club around £30-40 million.
In the 2024/25 campaign so far, the young midfielder has contributed to eight goals in all competitions (2G+6A), making 15 appearances for Zagreb.
Amorim’s first signings as Manchester United manager will be crucial, as the Portuguese coach looks to improve on the shaky foundations that Erik ten Hag left at Old Trafford.
Several reports have suggested that Amorim will look at taking some star names from his former side, with the star name being Viktor Gyokeres – as the Swede continues to impress in Portugal.
Adding Baturina to his side could be a necessary addition, as United’s current midfield holds a list of ageing names like Casemiro and Eriksen.
