Image Credits: Imago Images
It seems the wounds from last summer’s transfer window remain fresh at the San Siro, where Inter Milan officials are still smarting from Liverpool’s successful hijacking of their top defensive target Giovanni Leoni. The Nerazzurri had spent months courting the highly-rated Parma teenager, only to watch helplessly as the Reds swooped in at the eleventh hour to secure his signature in a £26 million. Inter Milan had identified Leoni as a priority signing ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, with newly-appointed manager Cristian Chivu specifically requesting the young defender’s acquisition. The club engaged in lengthy negotiations with Parma throughout the summer, but their refusal to meet the Serie A side’s €40 million valuation opened the door for Liverpool’s intervention.
Fast forward five months, and it seems that the Serie A giants have now beaten the Reds to a defensive signing. Last week, we brought you reports from Croatia that Liverpool had identified Hajduk Split defender Branimir Mlačić as a potential future-proofing signing. Mlačić has become one of Croatia’s most promising defensive prospects despite his age and is a first team regular for one of the league’s top clubs. Now, according to Tuttosport, Inter have moved decisively to wrap up the Mlacic transfer ahead of the January window. They frame the transfer as Inter getting one back over Liverpool in light of Leoni. The financial terms of the deal are remarkably modest by modern standards. Hajduk Split have reportedly set a €5 million asking price for Mlacic, a figure well within Inter’s budget and significantly less than what they were prepared to pay for Leoni last summer.
Liverpool’s interest in Mlacic has been well-documented, with Reds scouts dispatched to watch the youngster in action during Hajduk Split’s clash with HNK Rijeka two weeks ago. The 18-year-old, who stands at 192 centimeters and has established himself as a regular starter for Hajduk this season with 16 appearances, fits the profile of young, high-potential defenders that Liverpool have been targeting under Arne Slot. He has also earned recognition at international level, making his debut for Croatia’s Under-21 side against Lithuania in November.
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