Report: Newcastle make contact to sign the ‘next Kevin De Bruyne’, £21m gets deal done

Newcastle United have joined the race to sign Dinamo Zagreb’s promising midfielder, Martin Baturina, as the summer transfer window approaches.

The 22-year-old Croatian has attracted attention from several Premier League clubs, including Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest, as well as Serie A teams Inter Milan and Fiorentina.

Baturina’s impressive performances have made him a sought-after talent, with Dinamo Zagreb reportedly valuing him at €25 million (£21 million).

Baturina’s rise through Dinamo Zagreb’s ranks has been noteworthy. Joining their youth academy in 2017, he broke into the first team four years later and has since become a key player.

In the 2024/25 season, he made 51 appearances across all competitions, scoring 8 goals and providing 5 assists . His contributions were instrumental in Dinamo Zagreb securing their seventh consecutive league title.(Football Transfers)

Known for his creativity and vision, Baturina has been compared to Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne. His ability to control the midfield and create scoring opportunities has not gone unnoticed.

In the UEFA Champions League, he featured in 10 matches, scoring 2 goals and assisting 2 others . His performances have demonstrated his readiness to compete at higher levels of European football.(Football Transfers)

Newcastle United’s interest in Baturina aligns with their strategy to bolster their midfield options. With the potential departure of Callum Wilson and the need for creative depth, Baturina’s profile fits the club’s requirements.

His versatility allows him to play both as an attacking midfielder and in deeper roles, providing tactical flexibility.

Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest have also expressed interest in Baturina, recognizing his potential to enhance their squads. As the competition for his signature intensifies, Dinamo Zagreb may find it challenging to retain their prized asset.

The club has a history of developing talent and facilitating moves to top European leagues, as seen with players like Josko Gvardiol and Dani Olmo.

Baturina’s statistical contributions in the 2024/25 season highlight his impact on the pitch:

These numbers reflect Baturina’s consistent performance across various competitions, showcasing his ability to contribute both in domestic and European matches.

As the transfer window opens, Newcastle United and other interested clubs will be monitoring Baturina’s situation closely.

His potential move could be one of the notable transfers of the summer, marking the next step in his promising career.