Newcastle United, Barcelona and Real Madrid are all keen on signing Hajduk Split defensive sensation Branimir Mlacic.
The biggest clubs in Europe are constantly on the lookout for young players with massive potential, and they seem to have found an exceptional talent in the Croatian top flight. Branimir Mlacic, who has had a sensational rise at Hajduk Split, has caught the attention of some top clubs in Europe, who could soon enter into a bidding war for his signature.
According to Ekrem Konur, Newcastle United, Barcelona and Real Madrid are all keen on signing Mlacic, who is considered one of the brightest young talents in Croatia. They are set to be involved in a six-way battle as Inter Milan, Marseille and Borussia Dortmund are also keeping tabs on him.
Mlacic has come up the ranks at Hajduk Split. He got promoted to their first team ahead of the ongoing campaign and has already established himself as a key figure in the team.
In the ongoing campaign, the 18-year-old centre-back has been involved in 17 matches across competitions and has even contributed towards two goals. His performances for both club and country have resulted in a lot of attention from across Europe.
European giants to battle for Mlacic’s signature
While the Croatian youth international’s contract runs until the summer of 2029, he looks set to leave the club in the near future. The teenager is ready to make the jump to a bigger club, and as many as six European giants are keen on his signature.
Inter Milan, Marseille and Dortmund are all keeping tabs on him, but Newcastle, Real Madrid and Barcelona seem to be the most serious suitors at this point. With quite a few of their key defenders on the wrong side of 30, the Magpies feel Mlacic could be a great acquisition for the long run.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid and Barcelona also wanted to strengthen their backline with an eye on the future. Following Inigo Martinez’s departure, the Catalan giants do lack depth at the back. As far as Madrid are concerned, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba’s contract are running out and Mlacic could help replace them in the long term.