Back in September, reports emerged claiming that Real Madrid had taken an interest in 21-year-old Croatian talent Martin Baturina, at the recommendation of club captain and legend Luka Modric.
Baturina currently plies his trade at Modric’s boyhood club Dinamo Zagreb and is seen as one of the most exciting young talents in Croatia.
Despite his age, the attacking midfielder has already racked up more than 130 appearances for the club, registering 52 goal contributions (18G, 34A) and has seven caps for the Croatian national team.
Modric, having seem him with Croatia, is said to have become an admirer and recommended him to Real Madrid.
Baturina turns down Real Madrid
With Toni Kroos gone and Modric expected to move on in a short time, Real Madrid are looking to add new blood to their midfield department and as such, Baturina has emerged as an option – given his playmaking abilities and immense potential.
However, according to a fresh update from Sky Sport Germany, Real Madrid have faced a setback in their efforts to sign Baturina from Dinamo Zagreb.
As per the report, Los Blancos proposed a five-year contract offer for the 21-year-old attacking midfielder, with the idea being to sign him and loan him out to a La Liga club for his development.
However, Baturina has rejected the offer from the reigning champions of Spain and Europe and instead has his sights set on a move to the German Bundesliga.
The 21-year-old, who is contracted with Dinamo Zagreb until June 2028, seemingly has his sights set on a transfer to Germany – whether it will be in January or the summer is unclear.
But for now, Baturina has turned down a five-year contract proposal from Real Madrid. Whether the Spanish giants return with an improved offer remains to be seen.