Leeds United have reportedly reignited their interest in Como playmaker Martin Baturina, a player likened to Real Madrid legend Luka Modric.
Daniel Farke is riding a wave of momentum at Leeds, having inspired an upturn in results which saw his side take four points off Chelsea and Liverpool.
Now, with the January transfer window looming large on the horizon, Leeds have reignited their interest in Croatian playmaker Martin Baturina, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Leeds attempted to sign Baturina in 2024, but the player rejected the opportunity to move to Elland Road, eventually joining Como the following summer.
However, Leeds were in good company, as Baturina also reportedly rejected a move to Real Madrid the same year.
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Baturina scores screamer and assists as Dinamo Zagreb draw 2-2 with Monaco.
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Leeds United target Martin Baturina rejected Real Madrid
Baturina was hot property in the summer of 2024, having caught the eye with Dinamo Zagreb coming through their famous academy system.
According to a report from Sky Germany’s Patrick Berger at the time, Leeds faced competition from the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid for his signature at the time.
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Berger reported: “Manchester United and Real Madrid have positioned themselves [on Baturina]. According to Sky Infos, even legendary Luka Modric is suggesting that his club sign the Croatian jewel.”
However, according to a subsequent report from Germanijak, the classy playmaker rejected the chance to follow in Modric’s footsteps.
Martin Baturina in action for Croatia.
Photo by Mateusz Slodkowski/Getty Images
The report suggested that Baturina wanted to move to the Bundesliga at the time, but the lure of playing under former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas proved too strong the following summer.
Now, he could finally make his move to Elland Road, as the Whites look to add another creative option to their forward line.
Martin Baturina has struggled to make an impact with Como
Como are flying high in the Serie A table, as Fabregas’ side currently sit sixth in the table. But Baturina has struggled to make a significant impact following his transfer.
According to FotMob, his average rating across his seven matches to date is just 6.23, as he has been restricted to just one start.
Baturina has featured for a total of 165 minutes, scoring one goal in a 5-1 win over Torino, and creating a total of five chances in that time.
Martin Baturina would be a stunning signing for Leeds… discuss 💎
Martin Baturina in action for Croatia.
Photo by Mateusz Slodkowski/Getty Images
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However, Calcio Mercato have suggested that Como are “looking to the medium to long term, waiting for the Croatian to adapt to a new style of football and a new environment, as they wait to see the benefits of their 18 million euro investment.
As a result, Leeds look set for a prolonged battle to sign the forward, as Farke looks to add to his Leeds squad in January.
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