Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a potential move for Dinamo Zagreb star Martin Baturina in the upcoming January transfer window, but the Red Devils may face a battle to secure the Croatian talent.
With Ruben Amorim settling into his new role at Old Trafford, speculation around his plans in the transfer market has reached a fever pitch. While some of Amorim’s former players from Sporting Lisbon have been linked with moves to Manchester, the Portuguese coach has made it clear that his old charges will not be joining him in January. Nevertheless, United are still exploring ways to bolster the squad, and Baturina is emerging as a key target.
TEAMtalk can confirm that United scouts have been keeping a close eye on Baturina, with positive feedback about his performances coming from their assessments. The 21-year-old midfielder has been impressing in Croatia’s top-flight and in European competitions, making him a rising star in European football. United are considering making a move for Baturina, but they are likely to face stiff competition from some of the continent’s top clubs. Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are also tracking the Croatian international, with both clubs monitoring his progress ahead of the winter transfer window.
While United are interested, it seems that patience will be required in this pursuit. Sources indicate that Dinamo Zagreb are not actively seeking to sell Baturina in January, with a move at the end of the season considered far more likely. The Croatian club are reportedly braced for offers but are expected to hold out until the summer, with a price tag in the region of £17m (€20m/$21m) set for the midfielder. Given that Baturina’s contract runs until 2028, Dinamo are in a strong position to resist any mid-season offers, particularly as the player is crucial to their ambitions in European competition.
The young Croatian has already built an impressive resume, making 132 appearances for Dinamo Zagreb since his first-team debut in the 2020/21 season. In that time, Baturina has scored 18 goals and provided 34 assists, establishing himself as a dynamic and creative force in midfield. His contributions have not been limited to domestic competition; the midfielder has also stood out in the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League, showcasing his ability on the continental stage. These performances have only increased his stock, and it’s no surprise that top clubs across Europe are taking note.
Baturina’s playing style has drawn comparisons to one of the best midfielders of his generation: Luka Modric. The Real Madrid legend is said to be an admirer of Baturina’s talents, with some reports even suggesting that Modric has urged his club to make a move for his fellow Croatian. Baturina’s ability to dictate play, make incisive passes, and control the tempo of matches has earned him widespread praise, and Modric’s endorsement further boosts his profile. Croatian sports agent Zdravko Mamic has gone as far as to claim that Baturina is already a better player at 21 than Modric was at the same age, a bold statement that highlights the potential many see in the young midfielder.
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Despite the growing interest, United’s pursuit of Baturina may not be straightforward. The club’s new manager, Ruben Amorim, has been cautious in his approach to the transfer market, reportedly turning down the opportunity to sign Juventus defender Danilo on a free transfer next summer. United’s defensive struggles last season, particularly at left-back due to injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, led to speculation that Amorim would look to reinforce the full-back positions. However, it appears the Portuguese coach is not interested in bringing in Danilo, which could open up funds for other areas of the squad, including midfield.
This leaves the door open for United to pursue Baturina, although their path to signing the Croatian talent could be complicated. As well as the interest from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, Dinamo Zagreb’s position as a European club with competitive aspirations means they are unlikely to let Baturina go without a fight. Furthermore, with Baturina’s contract running until 2028, the Croatian side can afford to be patient and hold out for the best offer, possibly deferring any move until the summer when the transfer market is more active.
The situation is further complicated by United’s other transfer considerations. Reports have suggested that Victor Lindelof, who has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford, could be set for a move away. Lindelof is said to have offered his services to Juventus as he seeks a fresh challenge, with AC Milan also reportedly interested in the Swedish centre-back. Lindelof’s potential departure would open up space in United’s squad, but it’s unclear whether this would affect their pursuit of Baturina.
Amorim, in his early days as United’s permanent manager following Erik ten Hag’s sacking, will have his hands full balancing both the current squad and his transfer ambitions. While Baturina may be on the club’s radar, it’s clear that the young Croatian is not the only option under consideration. United are expected to focus on a variety of targets as they look to strengthen the squad in key areas. Given Baturina’s profile as a creative and highly capable midfielder, he would add significant depth and quality to United’s midfield ranks, potentially offering competition to the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro.
The timing of any potential move for Baturina remains uncertain, but it’s clear that the Red Devils are not the only club in the hunt for his signature. Barcelona and Atletico Madrid’s interest only adds to the challenge United face in landing the 21-year-old. With his performances continuing to impress in both domestic and European competitions, Baturina’s reputation is only set to grow, making him one of the most sought-after young talents in Europe.
For now, United fans will have to wait and see if their club can pull off a move for Baturina in the coming months. While the winter transfer window may bring the opportunity for clubs to strike, it seems likely that the Croatian will remain with Dinamo Zagreb for the rest of the season before making any decisions about his future. If United do want to make Baturina their first signing of Amorim’s tenure, they may have to wait until next summer, when the landscape for a move will be clearer.
As the January window approaches, all eyes will be on whether United can navigate the competition from Europe’s elite clubs and secure the signature of one of the most exciting young midfield talents in the game.
