Soccer
Report: Midfielder Dubbed the ‘New Modric’ Not Interested in Real Madrid Move
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Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Martin Baturina, who has drawn comparisons with Croatia legend Luka Modric due to his playing style, has reportedly ruled out a potential move to Real Madrid. With Real Madrid on the back foot, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has emerged as the frontrunner to secure Baturina’s services.
Martin Baturina Does Not Want to Join Real Madrid
Over the last few years, Real Madrid has been on a mission to sign the most talented up-and-coming youngsters across the world. Baturina, who has been making waves in Croatia thanks to his age-defying performances in the middle of the park, is one of the players on their radar. However, unlike most players who jump at the opportunity to play for Los Blancos, Baturina has turned down a potential switch to the Spanish capital.
According to Spanish outlet Diario SPORT, Real Madrid’s proposal for Baturina included a mandatory two-year loan spell away at another La Liga club. The Croatia international did not agree to this term and ruled out a potential move. He is reportedly happy and settled at Dinamo Zagreb and is looking forward to the next chapter of his career.
PSG Leading the Race to Sign Martin Baturina
Although Baturina looks happy to continue at Zagreb, the club is reportedly open to letting the midfielder leave for the right price. As per the aforementioned report, Dinamo Zagreb would be open to selling him for a fee of around €25 million ($26.3 million).
Barcelona and PSG are both interested in Baturina, but the Ligue 1 giants are currently leading the race, as they are already preparing an offer close to €25 million ($26.3 million) for the player. If the Parisians can get the finances sorted, they could make a move for Baturina in the winter transfer window itself. Zagreb, however, does not want to lose Baturina in the middle of the 2024-25 campaign.
Baturina, who has shared the pitch with Real Madrid and Croatia legend Modric in seven international matches, has been in excellent form this season. Playing 20 games in all competitions, he has scored two times and provided seven assists. His contract with Zagreb runs out on June 15, 2028.
