Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool’s recruitment team joined a notable gathering of European scouts at Stadion Rujevica two weeks ago, with the Reds dispatching scouting officials to monitor Croatian First Football League action.
The Premier League side was among several high-profile clubs in attendance, including AC Milan, Parma, Sassuolo, and FC Twente, all converging on the HNK Rijeka versus Hajduk Split fixture a fortnight ago.
While the precise target of Liverpool’s scouting mission remained initially unclear, it has since emerged that teenage centre-back Branimir Mlačić was among those who caught the Reds’ attention.
Sportske Novisti has reported that Anfield representatives were casting a keen eye on the 18-year-old stalwart.
Mlačić has become one of Croatia’s most promising defensive prospects despite his age.
The young centre-back has made 11 league appearances for Hajduk Split this season, starting each of the club’s last seven games. His consistent performances and rapid development has also earned him a place in Croatia’s U21 national team setup.
However, Liverpool’s interest in securing Mlačić’s services faces considerable competition from Serie A giants Inter Milan, who have reportedly moved aggressively to advance their pursuit.
The Nerazzurri have already held talks with Hajduk Split directors, with sporting director Piero Ausilio keen to close a deal early in January.
Inter’s strategy follows a well-established pathway: signing the young defender now but loaning him back to a Croatian club for continued first-team football before integrating him into their own setup.
This approach proved successful with Petar Sucic, whom Inter acquired in similar circumstances last January.
The club views Mlačić as someone capable of revamping Cristian Chivu’s backline in the coming months, particularly given uncertainty surrounding the futures of experienced defenders like Francesco Acerbi, Matteo Darmian, and Stefan de Vrij.
Hajduk Split have made clear they will only part with their prized asset for a “fabulous figure,” with Mlačić’s contract running through 2029. The Croatian club are also prioritizing substantial sell-on clauses that would ensure they benefit from any future sale.
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