Martin Baturina is the name on everyone’s lips in European football right now, and for good reason. The 23-year-old Croatian midfielder just finished a debut Serie A season that turned heads across the continent — eight goals, four assists, and a starring role in helping Como secure Champions League football for the first time in the club’s history.
Now Premier League clubs are circling. Manchester United, looking to rebuild after two years outside Europe’s top competition, have him high on their list. But they’re not alone. Aston Villa are in the conversation too, and according to reports, Bayern Munich have already started making calls about his availability.
This isn’t a casual interest thing. This is getting serious.
Cesc Fabregas Built His Team Around Baturina
Since taking over at Como, Fabregas has turned the club into a genuine project. Baturina is the centerpiece of that vision. The Croatian left his hometown club Dinamo Zagreb for the first time last summer, and the move looked risky on paper. But he’s adapted fast, looking comfortable against veteran defenders and showing a creative spark that makes him stand out in a league full of tactical discipline.
Como know what they have. They’ve already turned down a €50 million opening bid for him, according to multiple sources. The message is clear: if you want him, you’re going to pay a premium. Como’s ambition doesn’t stop at just making the Champions League. They want to compete there, and losing Baturina would be a major setback.
The World Cup Helped, Too
Even though Croatia didn’t win it all, Baturina made a serious impression on the global stage. He scored a brilliant goal against England and spent the entire tournament making life miserable for defenders. One reporter called him a ‘constant thorn in the Three Lions’ flesh’ and that kind of performance doesn’t go unnoticed by scouts watching in the stands.
His market value has only gone up since that tournament. Which makes Como’s negotiating position even stronger.
Leeds United tried to sign him in a previous window and got nowhere. Now the competition is steeper. United and Villa have the financial muscle to test Como’s resolve, but it’s going to take something well north of that rejected €50 million offer to even get the conversation started.
Whether any of these clubs actually meet that price before the summer window closes is still up in the air. But one thing is certain: Baturina isn’t going anywhere cheap.
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