Martin Baturina, the 22-year-old Croatian midfield sensation, is expected to leave Dinamo Zagreb this summer, with a transfer fee projected to be in the range of €20-25 million, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The attacking midfielder, often compared to Luka Modric for his playmaking prowess and technical ability, has attracted significant interest from top European clubs, with English, Italian, and German sides, including Eintracht Frankfurt, already making contact with Dinamo Zagreb to discuss a potential move. This anticipated transfer could mark one of the most significant in Croatian football history, reflecting Baturina’s rapid rise and Dinamo’s reputation for developing elite talent.
Baturina, born in Zürich in 2003, has been a cornerstone of Dinamo Zagreb’s midfield since breaking into the first team in 2021. Over 164 appearances for the club, he has scored 22 goals and provided 39 assists, showcasing his vision, close ball control, and versatility in attack. His performances in the Croatian HNL and the UEFA Champions League, where he scored six goals and provided nine assists in 36 matches this season, have solidified his status as one of Europe’s most promising young talents. Baturina’s ability to operate as an attacking midfielder, deeper playmaker, or even on the flanks has drawn comparisons to Modric, with whom he shares a similar path, having progressed through Dinamo’s youth ranks before catching the eye of major clubs.
The interest in Baturina is widespread, with Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid among the clubs previously linked. Notably, Luka Modric, the Real Madrid and Croatia legend, reportedly recommended Baturina to his club, though the youngster declined an offer from Los Blancos that involved a two-year loan to another La Liga side, signaling his desire to join a team where he can make an immediate impact. English clubs, in particular, are said to be preparing high transfer fees, potentially outbidding competitors like Galatasaray, while Eintracht Frankfurt’s recent financial boost from selling Omar Marmoush to Manchester City for €75 million positions them as a serious contender. Baturina’s agent has already held discussions in Germany, further fueling speculation of a Bundesliga move.
Dinamo Zagreb, known for their savvy transfer strategy, are poised to capitalize on Baturina’s departure. The club has a history of lucrative sales, having earned significant sums from transfers like Dani Olmo and Joško Gvardiola to RB Leipzig. While Dinamo’s president, Velimir Zajec, acknowledged “extremely fair” offers for Baturina in the past, the club opted to retain him, likely to maximize his value through strong performances in the Champions League and Croatian league. However, with Baturina’s contract running until 2028 and no release clause, Dinamo are in a strong negotiating position, with some reports suggesting a fee could reach €30 million, as indicated by agent Marko Naletilić. The club’s strategy to sell him this summer aligns with their plan to generate €20.5 million from player transfers across the next two windows, with Baturina’s move expected to cover a significant portion of that target.
The potential departure of Baturina represents both a financial windfall and a challenge for Dinamo, as he has been a key creative force in their midfield. Nevertheless, the club’s track record of developing young talent suggests they are already preparing a replacement. For Baturina, a move to a top European league offers the chance to elevate his career, following in the footsteps of Modric and other Croatian stars. His inclusion in Croatia’s Euro 2024 squad and regular appearances for the national team since 2023 underscore his readiness for the next step. As the summer transfer window approaches, the race for Baturina’s signature is heating up, with his decision likely to hinge on the promise of regular playing time and a platform to showcase his immense potential.