Leeds United had two clear opportunities to sign Martin Baturina, and both passed. The consequence is now unavoidable, with the Croatian’s valuation rising to €50m (£43m) after a surge in form at Como.
Baturina has been on fire since moving to Cesc Fabregas’ Serie A side Como in the summer of 2025 from Dinamo Zagreb. But it didn’t initially go to plan for the Croatia international.
Leeds’ interest is nothing new, either. Firstly, Leeds moved in the summer of 2024, having a £25m bid accepted by Dinamo Zagreb. However, Baturina rejected a deadline-day move to Elland Road.
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Understandably, given Leeds were still in the Championship. The midfielder rejected the move, opening the door for Como to step in and complete a deal worth €18m rising to €25m a year later.
Leeds returned in January during Baturina’s lowest point
Leeds did not walk away and instead made contact in January according to a report from Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano. But this time, Leeds didn’t even have a bid accepted.
Martin Baturina of Como 1907 celebrates after scoring a goal
Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images
The club opened talks with Como and the player’s representatives, with market discussion centred around a €30m offer during his quietest run of the season. But Como rejected the move and it’s paying dividends.
Before the turn of the year, Baturina had produced just 1 goal and 0 assists in Serie A, reflecting a clear dip in output. After January, that changed completely, with 5 goals, 3 assists, a massive improvement.
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Como refused to sell and are now sitting on a €50m asset
Como refused to sell despite Leeds’ approach, maintaining full faith in the player through his early struggles. The Serie A side were always in a strong position, with Baturina’s deal ending in 2030.
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That decision has now been rewarded, with his value climbing to a €50m valuation after his turnaround in the second half of the season.
Leeds identified Baturina early and returned when his value dipped, but neither move landed. The outcome is clear, with Como now holding a player worth double what Leeds were prepared to pay.
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