Manchester United and Real Madrid have reportedly positioned themselves over a possible move for 21-year-old Dinamo Zagreb playmaker Martin Baturina.
According to an update by reputed German journalist Patrick Berger, Manchester United and Real Madrid are interested in Martin Baturina. The 21-year-old has an admirer in compatriot Luka Modric, who has backed him for long-term success. Meanwhile, the two European bigwigs have positioned themselves regarding a move for the Dinamo Zagreb playmaker.
The rapid rise of Martin Baturina
Martin Baturina has emerged as the latest Croatian prospect to rise in prominence in his homeland. A native of Split, the Croat spent most of his formative years in his hometown but graduated from the youth division at Dinamo Zagreb a few years ago.
The 21-year-old made his first-team bow at Dinamo Zagreb towards the end of the 2020/21 season and has become a regular for the club since then. Baturina has been excellent in the early days of the 2024/25 campaign, providing five assists in eight appearances across all competitions thus far this term.
The young midfield prospect made his international bow for Croatia last year and has already turned out five times for his national side. Meanwhile, the Croatian midfielder’s exploits for his club and country have not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe, including Manchester United and Real Madrid, with the two bigwigs positioning themselves for a move.
A man in demand
Manchester United’s interest in Martin Baturina is understandable. The Red Devils can lay down a succession plan for Bruno Fernandes by signing the Croat, considering the Portuguese playmaker is on the wrong side of 30. In addition, the Dinamo Zagreb star can coexist with the Manchester United captain, as he can play as a box-to-box midfielder.
As for Real Madrid, Luka Modric has been pushing Los Blancos to pursue his compatriot. With Modric in the twilight of his career and Toni Kroos calling time on his legendary career, Real Madrid can do with a young playmaker.
So, the Modric-backed Dinamo Zagreb playmaker is an option worth considering for Real Madrid. However, it will be interesting to see if the reigning La Liga champions and Manchester United launch the offensive to sign the 21-year-old Croatian international next year.
